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BY 

Clarence pennett 






ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR 



CHIEF PRINTING CO. 
PERRY. IOWA 

U. S. A 






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uBRAftY of coNasess 

two Copies ttouaveu 

FEB 4 1905 

OOPY B. 



I 



"WAY BACK IN '61." 

An original play in four acts, by Clarence Bennett. 
Seven mates— three females, (smallest number possible.) 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

COL. BOH RAWLINS, of Virginia, 
JACK RAWLINS, his son, " 

FRANK ROLLINS, his nephew. (Frank doubles V. S. Sergeant). 
(APT. WALTER LE ROY, of X. V. in the U. S. A. 
COL. WAITE, (C. S. A.)— (Simras doubles). 

CORPORAL BIRD, (C. S. A.) of (Jen. Early's command— (-lack 
doubles ). 

JOHN SIMMS, an adventurer. 
JIM BROWN, C. S. A.— (Frank doubles). 
SERGEANT MICHAEL MULHALY, U. S. A. 
LTNCLE JOE, old colored servant of Col. Rawlins. 
[CATHERINE RAWLINS, Col. Rawlins' daughter. 
' MARAH KENNETH, a mad woman. 
LENA VOX SCHMATZENWICKS, a German girl, protege of Kate 
Soldiers of C. S. A. & V. S. A. 



ACT I. 

The summer home of Col. Bob Rawlins, overlooking- Charleston 
Harbor House, (typical Southern Mansion with large porch, with heavy 
columns, and window with lace curtains) L. 2 & 3. Table & 3 chairs. 
R. C. at back. Settee R near 2. Green baize wood wing & Foliage 
Borders. 

MIKE, (discovered at rise, looking out toward Charleston). By 
me soul things are beginning to look moighty "Pokerish" round here! 
Sure, the folks av Lieut. Rawdins are moighty fine folks, and it's a fine 
time they've been showin' us for these three weeks, now. But, by me 
soul, I think the rest o' the people round here have forgotten how to 
laugh! They look at us that suspicious as though they thought we 
were thaves and blackguards! Sure it's my opinion we're entirely too 
far away from head-quarters. Sure Misther Walter is that crazy over 
Miss Katherine's beautiful face. Well, who the Divil couid blame him? 
She's as pnrty and rosy as the smile o' the Mornin' ! But. bedad! It's 
my opinion we're stay in' here entirety too long. These buccoos ain't 
whisperin" so much for nothin'. They're up to some Diviltry; and it's 
my opinion it manes war. Begorrah, we'd better be off quick; and [ 
mane to make so bould as to put a flea into Misther Walther's ear. 
(Joe enters L) 

Whist! Good Mornin' to yez. Uncle Joe. 

JOE: Mawnin' Mars' Mulhaly, Sah! 

2. 



MIKE— Joe, can yez tell me where Lieut. Walther has gone? 
JOE— Yes Sal), lie done went ober to Chawlston, 'long wid Mars' 

Jaek an' .Mais' Frank, jes at sun up, while it war cool, Salt. Mars' .lack 
done think a povv'ful heap o' liars' Le Roy, an' so do Mars' Frank, too, 
Sail. 

MIKE. — And, sure he thinks a hape o' thim, Joe. Sure he and 
Misther -lack was chums and class-mates at West Pint, and that close 
together loike brothers. 

■JOE. — Yes, Sah, an' dey jes' "Gradu'ly waited" togever, Sah. 

MIKE, (puzzled). They what? 

JOE, — Dey "Gradu'ly-waited" frum de school. Sah. 

MIKE,— Oh! Graduated. 

•JOE, (laughs sheepishly). Yes Sah. Dat's him. I 'spect, Sah. 

MI KE. — Oh, sure, it's great chums they are. Lieut. Jack made 
Lieut. Walther come home wid him, on a visit, and they brought me 
along. 

JOE. — Yes, Sah. An' ole liars' Bob and Misee Kate, (de Lawd 
bress 'em) lef ole plantation, up in Virginny an' done come down here, 
to Mars' Bob's summer mansion, a "Resustieatin"' 'long wif Mars' Frank, 
ole Mars' Bob's nephew, Sah; an' you-all an' de young gemmen come 
down heyre to spend you-all's vaccination. 

MIKE (laughing), Yez mean our vacation. 

JOE (laughs), Yes, Sah. Dat's what I done mean, Mars' Mulhaly. 

MIKE. — Yez don't know, fur sure, whin they'll be back? 

JOE. Xo, Sah, 'Deed I doant. Dey-all didn't 'specifycate' deyre 
'tentions, Sah. 

MIKE. Things are lookin' moighty serious over there, Joe. 

JOE (shaking his head) — Yes Sah. I done heah ole Mars' Bob 
say dey was gwin ter 'bonoe-yard' de Fote. 

MIKE: What's that? Bombard the Fort? 

JOE: Yes, Sah. Ole Mars' done say dey'd be big cannons a 
shootin' 'fore a week, Sah. 

MIKE: Shootin' is it? Begorry. we'd better be gettin' back on 
our side o' the game! Oh, bedad ! It's a murtherin' shame that we'll 
soon have to be a fightin' wid these foine paple that have thrated us 
loike lords! 

JOE (who has gone up 0.) Mars' Mulhaly. heyre comes de young 
gemmen now, Sah. 

(Walter and Jack enter L. U. Frank following wearily. Alike 
salutes and stands at attention. Walter & Jack acknowledge salute, 
•lack laughs at Frank, who has dropped into chair, back of table R. C. 
at back, fanning himself with hat: As Walt, approach* Alike. R. ('.. 
Joe up L. bowing and grinning). 

WALT. Mike, get our things packed up. We leave for Wash- 



ington, tins evening, on the next train. 

MIKE: Begorrah, yer Honor, an' it's nol a blissid minute too 

-odd. I'm Ihinkin'. Sine I'm oil' loike an ould maid's sun bonnel in a 
cyclone! ( Exit in house L.) 

i Walt, turns up and looks off at back, gloomily). 

JOE (bowing and grinning), 'Deevin' Gemmen, dis mawnin' ! 1 
done hope you's is 'joyin' yon -all's 'varigation.' (Jack laughs). 

FRANK (Ruefully), Ok. yes!- We're enjoying our "Variegation!" 
Don't I look variegated? 

JACK (laughing), Joe, you mean vacation. 

JOE (laughing), Yes. Sah, 1 low so, Sak. 

JACK: Uncle doe, where are Father and Sistah Kate? 

JOE: Dey-all done gwine out ridin' in de 'kearge fob dinnah, Sah. 
Dey done say fob lou gemmen to 'sense 'em, Sabs; an' fob you-all not 
to wait fob dem, but fob you-all to jes' 'confection' you-ail's dinner jes' 
wheneber you-all desi'us to done so. Sabs. Ole Mars' Bob done say 
dey-all done 'sorb dey -all's breakfus when dey done 'rival' back. Sahs. 

JACK: (laughing). We'll just take a cup of coffee now and 
wait and dine with them. 

JOE (puzzled), Yes. Sah, you done want to take you-all's coffee 
now and 'edify you repastuse? 

JACK: Yes, Joe, that's it. 

JOE: Does you gemmen desirious to liquidate you-all's coffee 
out heah. Mars' Jack? 

JACK: Yes. Joe, you may serve it out here. 

FRANK: "Well, if war does come, I wont walk! 1 can tell you 
that! You can count me out of the infantry! (Joe grinning). 1 recon 
I'll take Joe along to carry me. 

JOE (laughing), Well, it won't be de fust time, Mars' Frank. I 
done uster 'tote' vou on my back when von was a little 'shaver' no higher 
dan dat (bus.) Sah. 

FRANK (merrily) So you did, Uncle Joe. I reckon 1 belonged 
to the "Infantry" then. 

JOE (laughing). Yah! Yah! Yes, Sah! 'Deed you did, Mars' 
Frank. Yah! Yah! (exits in house, laughing.) 

JACK, (sits back of table). Come, Walter, sit down and be 
sociable. I declare you are as glum as a preacher who has stumbled 
upon a dance. What's the matter, old Chap? 

WALT, (sits L. of table). Jack, look over there. Yonder city 
is a powder magazine, that needs but a spark to kindle it into an ex- 
plosion, that shall sound from ocean to ocean. 1 tell you. Gentlemen 
it means war! 

FRANK: Well, war is your element. 1 thought you soldiers 
loved it as a fish does water. 



I 



/ 



WALT. \<>t when it means Civil war.— friend against friend — 
brother against brother. 

FRANK: That's so.. Here, for instance, Jack and 1 are. Virgini- 
ans.ainl. naturally, our sympathies are with the South; while yours are 
with the North. Who knows? We might find ourselves, some day, in 
the opposing ranks, popping away at each oilier! 

WALT: Heaven grant it may not come to that! 

JACK: So say we all! But time enough to think of that when 
it does come. 

FRANK: That's so. Let us live to-day and let to-morrow take 
care of itself! We will not cross the bridge till we come to it, boys. 

WALT: Frank, don't let us shut our eyo.-^. The bridge is here. 

JACK: Well, if it must come, we will meet it like men. But 
we, at least, will let the others declare war. (Rising.; Boys, let us 
swear, now, that if war should come. , wherever our ideas of duty may 
lead us, we will remain friends always — friends and brothers! 

ALL: (clasping hands oxer table, earnestly). Friends and 
Brothers ! 

WALT: Gentlemen. 1 must say good-bye this evening. 

LOTH: To-day? 

WALT: Yes, Mike and I leave, by the next train, for the North. 

• LACK: Oh. say, old Man! Don't go to-day! "Why are you in 
such a hurry to leave us? 

WALT: Look out. over the bay there, where those cannons are 
waiting in grim silence, to pour their death-rain at that lonely flag 
on Sumpter! I must go while I can. 

.MIKE (enters from house, salutes.) Av yez plase, yer Honor, 
everything is packed up, Sor. 

WALT: Very well, Mike. We leave in an hour and a half. Send 
the things to the station in time for that train. 

MIKE: I will, yer Honor. (going toward house, almost humps 
into Joe who is coming out with tray of coffee, bread and jam) Wow! 

JOE: 'Sense me. Mars' Mulhaly! I didn't see yoh, Sah. 

MIKE: Begorrah ! I come moighty nigh breakin' that bottle. 

■TOE: (laughs) Dat aint no bottle. Sah. Dat's a jar o' jam. 

MIKE: Well, don't jar or jam it! (all laugh). 

•JOE: (puts things on table). Dar, Gemmen, dar's you-all's re- 
fresh if ications. 

JACK: Uncle -Toe! 

JOE: Yes. Sah. 

JACK: See that the gentlemen's baggage is sent over to the 
depot. 

JOE: Yes. Sah. I'll see dat de "septicles is transmognified to de 
depot, Sah. (serving lunch as Lena enters R. U. E. with flowers in her 

5- 



hands.) 

LENA (courtesies), C-iool evening, Shentlemans ! How you vasV 

JACK: Why good' evening, Miss Lena! Will you have some 
luue. with us? 

I.KXA (courtesies). 1 t'ank you. Meinlieer; abev I haf mine today 
dinner Cor lunch etten vonce alreaty. 

MIKE: Wow! Aiut she a beauty! (aside to Joe) Joe! Who 
is she? 

JOE: Why, Sah, (hit's Missee Lena Von Sehmatzen wicks. 

MIKE (tries to say it I Lena Von Smasheni (grabs his 

jaw) Wow! I tried to say it. and. bedad I b'lave I swallowed three 
a\ me teeth! 

(Exit Joe, laughing, in house). 

LENA: Ogscoose me, alter vere did Miss Katrine vas? 

JACK: She has gone out riding with Father. Lena. She'll soon 
be back. Sit down, (offers her his chair). 

LENA: Xo. t'ank you. I vould rader stood up. I some flowers 
tor her haf get got vonce. 

FRANK: You're a flower yourself, Lena. A sweet little Ger- 
man rose. 

LENA (courtesies, confused). Oh. Meinlieer Frank! You make 
my face all ofer mit plushes red! 

FRANK: Oh, forgive my rudeness, Lena! I didn't mean to 
offend you. 

LENA (laughs) Dot iss all right, Meinlieer Frank. I don't was 
mad. 

MIKE: Bedad, Sor, It's no crime to tell a pretty girl that she 
is purty ! 

LENA (aside) Oh, my gracious! Dere conies dot plushes an onder 
time. Oh. vat a nice man! 

MIKE (bowing), Sure. Mam. complimentin* a huh is the height 
a v etiquet ! 

LENA (makes wry face). Van iss das? 'et-a-cat? Audi! 

MIKE (hat in hand). Xo. not "ate-a-cat"! I mean you're the 
most beautiful lady I ever saw. Mam. 

LENA: Oh, mine gootness! You make me so shamed dot my 
face vas so pink like your hair! (Mike claps on hat). 

MIKE (aside) Diyil fly away w id my red head! (aloud) For- 
give me awkwardness! Sure I'm a blunderin' omadahn, Mam. begorrah! 

LENA (laughs) Ha. ha. ha! Vat funny talk you make. Vat 
iss dot verd, begorry ' 

MIKE (aside) Begob! ! She's gettin' me all ttangled up! (aloud) 
Sure. Mam. that's Dublin Frinch. It means that you're an angel. 

LENA: Xein ! Xein! Dead beobles vat go mit Heafen into vas 

6. 



anshels. I don't vas dead. 

MIKE: No. The Saints be praised, ye're not; or, by me soul, 
if yez were. I'd be folio win* yez on the first thvain to Heaven! 

LE.sA (laughs) Nein! Heafen iss von blace vat iss not on cle 
rail-road, (all laugh) 1 t'ink I vill petter vent und saw, of Miss Kat- 
rine haf yetz hack ge-commed. (going L. U.) 

MIKE (reaches out hand to take hers) Sure. Mam, lot me 
assist yez. 

LENA (thinks he moans the boquet) Vat, Meinheer, you vant 
de flowers for me to carry? (puts them in his hand) Sio kannen mit 
mir kommen (going L. U.) 

MIKE: Wow! She have me twisted again! - I'll go, this blissed 
day. and buy me a receipt hook for talkin' Dutch! (Following her. She 
exits L. T.) 

WALT (aside to Mike) Look out, Mike! You'll lose your heart! 

MIKE: Bedad, yor Honor; 1 think the black-guird av a heart 
has given me the slip already! (exits L. U. ) 

.JACK: Mike is making a strong beginning. 

WALT: Oh, yes. He's a Beau Brunamel with the ladies. 

FRANK: Pick an Irishman, every time, for fighting and love- 
making! 

WALT: She's a pretty, innocent little girl, and she seems devoted 
to your sister. Jack. 

JACK: Yes, Sister Kate added her to her list of pensioners two 
months ago. She found Lena's mother sick and friendless, and nursed 
her till she died. The poor woman confided Lena and some important 
papers to Sister's care. Kate has referred them to the German govern- 
ment; but the unsettled state of things here may make it difficult to get 
a reply from them. 

WALT, (with feeling). Another proof of her kindness. 

FRANK: Hello! Here comes Cousin Kate! Lena has found her. 
(they rise) 

KATE (enters L. V. with flowers, followed by Lena and Mike). 
You are so kind — so thoughtful, Lena dear! (kisses her). 

MIKE: (L.C. aside) Wow! The luck o' some folks! Til have 
that recipe book for Dutch talk in less than an hour. 

LENA (to gentlemen) I haf her found vonce. 

KATE (sees them). Oh! Good Evening! 

ALL (bowing) Good Evening! 

•JACK: Lena has been waiting for you. Kate. 

KATE: She is so good! 

FRANK (mischievously) And Michael has been keeping her com- 
pany ! 

KATE: Oh, thank you! So you have kept her from being lone- 



souse'.' (gents laugh I. 

MIKE (bows confusedly) Me sarviee to \ <•/, Ma'am! (aside) 
Wow! I'm smeared all over wid blushees. 

WALT: I hope you enjoyed your ride. 

KATE: (C.) Oh. it was glorious! The salt air. the sunshine, 
the scent of the spring flowers, the beautiful view of the distant city 
with the curves of shore, the shimmering harbor, with its sleepy wavelets 
falling lazily upon the sandy beach, the far stretches of green hills and 
purple distance! It was perfect! And then Papa's splendid team of 
blacks, Mogul and Satan! I believe he is almost as proud of their pedi- 
giee as of his own; and proud, too. that he alone is master of their fierce, 
iiery natures! How they flew! The reins as taut as harp strings, — their 
I lack, tossing manes like rolling storm-clouds, through which flashed the 
lightening (d' their wild eyes. — the rattling thunder of their rushing hoofs, 
the air; like a gale, in our faces; the road: like a fleeing torrent, beneath 
our wheels! It was as though we had harnessed our chariot to the 
tempest! (Jh.it was glorious! Glorious! 

FRANK & WALT (clapping hands). Bravo! Bravo! 

WALT (enthusiastically), 1 declare you carried me away with 
\ our eloquent description. 

JACK: (teasingly) Oh, pshaw! Women are such funny creatures! 
Kate thinks Father is the only one on the plantation who knows how- 
to drive. Anybody can drive that old pair of dray-horses! 

KATE: Oh, Jack! You're a monster! Those splendid blacks 
dray-horses! Slandeier! (throws her gloves at him. he dodges behind 
table, laughing). 

JACK (behind table). "There was a little girl, and she had a 
little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, 
she was very, very good; and when she was bad, she was horrid!" 

MIKE: (aside) I'll remember that, bedad! 

WALT: Jack, you're incorrigible! 

FRANK: We'll be your allies. Cousin Kate, (tragically to Jack) 
.Monster! Be thou a stranger to pie and society for three 1 days! 

KATE: He's forgiven if he beos pardon. 

JACK: Whose pardon? Yours or the horses? 

KATE: Both! 

JACK (with mock humility), I bow to Beauty and the Beasts! 
Think of me praying to a horse! 

MARAH: (on R. l\ E. looking off at distant city). (Lena runs 
to Katherine L. C. Mike near them. Gentlemen B. C.) Ha. ha. ha! I 
knew it! I saw it all in my dreams! The sacred winds whispered it 
to me! See yon dark cloud! It is the Shadow of the Sword! 

KATE (L. ('. soothingly). No, Marah. no! It is only a storm-cloud. 

MARAH: Yes! Yes! The storm is coming! Do ye not hear ii. 

8. 



afar off? Ye shall hear its hoarse thunder! Ye shall see its lightings 
blaze! it shall rain iron till the land is wet with blood! Ye shall plow 
the fields with cannon balls! Ye shall sow them with bullets and reap 
them with swords: and the ground shall be heaped with the ghastly 
harvest! Homes shall be blackened ruins and hearts shall be desolate. 
and Woe shall come in and sit down at every fire-side! Weep! Weep! 
then for the Land of Graves (X. B. She must not see Frank's face). 

KATE: (L.C.) No! no! Poor Marah! You have been dream 
ing again! 

MARAH: (coming down ('.) Dreaming? Yes! I am always 
dreaming now! And I see her face in my dreams! My child's white, 
dead, despairing face, lying in the stream over there! I hear the hoarse 
i oar of the water-fall, shouting: "Revenge!" And the trees stretch 
cut their pitying arms over her; while the Wind whispers to them the 
rated name of him who wrecked her life and broke her heart and drove 
her to her death! My poor, poor, Margery"! Oh, curse him! Curse him! 

KATE: (going to her L.) Poor, dear old Marah! Yon must not 
wee])! There! Dry your tears! 

MARAH: Y'es, yes! Tears do not kill! (fiercely). I must not 
live to weep but for revenge! 

KATE: Xo. no Marah! Calm yourself! Yon must try to forget! 

MARAH: Forget! Could I forget the white, still face of my dead 
child? My darling? No. no! I can never forget till he is dead! Dead! 

KATE (starts to lead her toward house L.) There, there! Poor 
tl ing! come in and rest! 

MARAH: (turns away R.) Xo, no! I must go back! The woods 
are calling, me! Hark! There! 1 hear her voice calling: "Mother! 
Mother!'' Don't ye hear her? She is lonely in her grave when I am 
away! Yes, Margery, darling, I'm coming. Dear! I'm comin<>'! (exit 
P. 2 E.) 

KATE (wipes away a tear). Poor thing! My heart aches for her! 

WALT: (near her. tenderly and earnestly). An Angel's tears for 
human suffering! 

KATE: Xo! Only a woman's sympathy. 

WALT: In this case, they are the same. Tell me her story. 

KATE: It is a sad and simple one. An old one, oft repeated in 
human lives! Her daughter Margery, betrayed and deserted by the man 
she loved, drowned herself, and her poor, mother became insane through 
grief. She lives alone, in a little hut, near her child's grave. 

•TACK: Who was the scoundrel? 

KATE: A man named Simms, — John Simms. 

FRANK: Strange that I never saw her before! 

KATE: She rarely leaves her cabin: and the kind people who know 
her sad story, see that she does not want. 

9- 



YVAITE: (enters L. l\ E.) TJevenin' Gem men! Ladies, yoh sar* 
yant! (all how). 

JACK: Good Evening, Mr. Waite. 

WAITE: Is yoh father, Mr. Rawlins, 'bout home? 

■JACK: Yes, Sah. (calls) Joe! 

JOE: (cuteis from house) Yes, Sah. 

JACK: -Joe. go tell Father Mr. Waite is here to sec him. 

JOE: Yes, Sah. (exits in house) 

WAITE: I want to see him 'bout this political bus'ness! Our 
hands have been tied 'bout long 'nough, I reckon. We've stood this 
thing of waitin' jes as long as we can! 

JACK: (annoyed) Well, don't let us talk about it here, Mr. 
Waite. 

WAITE: (blusteringly) It's time to talk and to act too, young 
man! Ye see that fort yonder? Well, that infernal Yankee rag has got 
ter come down ! 

WALT: (starts angrily), What! 

KATE (lays hand on his arm) Air. Le Roy! For my sake! 

WALT: Forgive me. Miss Kate! 

WAITE: (brutally). Hello! You're one o' them damned aboli- 
tionists, eh V 

COL. R. (at door), Mr. Waite, you forget yourself, Sah. There 
are ladies present! This gentleman is my guest! Whoever insults him, 
insults me! (pause). 

WAITE: 'Sense me. Mr. Rawlins, 1 don't want no quar'l with you. 
Sah. 'Sense me, ladies, fur gittin' 'riled. Mr. Rawlins, I want ter talk 
bus'ness with you. Sah. We 

COL. R. (L. of Kate, checks him.) One moment Sah. (aside to 
Kate) Kate, leave us, please, and take Mr. Le Roy with you. 

KATE (to Lena) Lena, you must show me where you got those 
beautiful flowers, won't you V 

LENA: Yah, Miss Kat-rine. (cross R. 2) Dev vas lived ober 
yonder by de woods. 

KATE: (crosses R. after Lena). Come, Mr. Le Roy, and help us. 

WALT: Certainly, with pleasure, (crosses R. ) 

MIKE: Can I come along and carry the flowers. Ma'am? 

KATE: Certainly, Mr. Mulhaly, You can help Lena. (Kate. 
Walt. & Lena exit R. 2). 

MIKE (crossing R.) Oh. sure I'm walkin' on air and brathin' roses 
this blissed minute! (exits R. 2). 

WAITE: . (sullenly) Why did you send him away? 

COL. R. I am a gentleman, Sah! I would not do violence to the 
feelings of my visitor by speaking of Secession in his presence. Sah! 

WAITE: From the North, eh? 

IO. 



COL. R. Yes, Sah, from New York. 

WAITE: Huh. a Yankee spy! 

COL. it. No, Sah. That gentleman is our invited guest. He \>as 
-lack's class-mate at West Point. Sail. 

WAITE: Well, he's an abolitionist, aint he? 

COL. It. No Sah. lie's a United States Officer. 

WAITE: That's nothing! So is Jack, a nd he's with the South. 

COL. it. Naturally, Sah. Jack's from Virginia, while Mr. Le Roy 
is from the North. 

WAITE: We'd better seize him. 

COL. R! What? He is my guest and under my protection, and 
he shall depart in peace and no man shall stop him, Sah! 

WAITE: There. Mr. Rawlins! I didn't mean ter 'rile' yeh ; but, 
sec here; Do yon mean that you will send back a well-drilled officer to 
help organize the army of raw recruits for them abolitionists? 

COL. R. Von have heard me. Sah! Have you lived among South- 
ern gentlemen all your life, Mr. Waite, without learning what Southern 
hospitality means, Sah? 

WAITE: But, Mr. Rawlins 

COL. R. Listen, Sah. War is not declared. And if it were, every 
law of justice and military honor would give him free passport to his 
own side. And that's what Southern Chivalry will do now, Sah! 

WAITE: Well, Mr. Rawlins, 'sense me, Sah. We'll change the 
subject. We are tired of this waiting. Everything is ready, and we are 
expecting orders from Gen. Beauregard, at any minute, to fire on Sump- 
ter, any hour now you may look to hear the first gun of the war. I 
come from Gen. Beauregard to give you notice, so you can be ready to 
act with us, Sah. 

COL. R. Thank you Sah and the Genral. My hand and heart are 
with the South and her just cause. Jack has sent in his resignation, and 
he and Frank are with us. 

JACK: When the South needs us, she will find us ready. Father. 

FRANK: Every time! 

WAITE: I'm glad to heah that, Sahs! Well, Mr. Rawlins, I 
must be going. These are busy times, (starts L. U.) 

COL. R. (going with him). Yes, Sah; and we will meet the 
issue like men! (exeunt Col. R. & Waite L. U. Jack and Frank follow- 
ing). 

JACK: Frank, that fellow is a contemptible scoundrel! 

FRANK: Yes. But what can you expect? He's poor white 
trash! Bah! I'm ashamed that he's a Southerner! (exeunt L. U.) 
(Kate & Walter enter R. 2.) 

KATE: Thank Heaven that coarse, brutal fellow has gone! Oh. 
how I dislike that man! 

IT. 



WALT: !\-iss Kate, I am ashamed thai I forgo! myself in your 
presence. 

KATE (smiles up at Walter). I do not blame you. Were I a 
man, and. like you. in sympathy with the North, 1 should have done as 
you did. 

WALT: You arc so kind to forgive my rudeness! I cannot tell 
you how hard it will be for me to .say good-bye to-day; 

KATE: (alarmed) To-day! Oh, Wa— Mr. Le Roy! -Must you go? 

WALT: Yes. At any hour the thunder of the suns, down there, 
may sound the beginning of a struggle so terrible I dare not think what 
the end may be! But. before I go, I must find courage to tell you 
something, Kate. — 

KATE: (with down cast eyes). Walter! 

WALT: (takes her hand). 1 need not tell you how happy 1 have 
been here, near you! Drawn hither, not alone by that strong tie of 
friendship between Jack and me; but by a tenderer feeling for Jack's 
gentle sister. Kate! A love that budded in my heart when yon visited 
Jack, two years ago at West Point; and here, under your bright Southern 
sun, has burst into full bloom! Kate, may I lay that blossom as a 
gentle offering, at your feet? 

KATE: (looks up archly). Xo. no, Walter. — I'd rather wear it 
next my heart! 

WALT: (clasps her to him). Kate! My Kate! 

KATE: Yes. "Walter! Always! (Frank enters T. U. sees, turns 
back). 

FRANK: Excuse me! (exits L. U. quickly. Kate ^ives little 
scream and runs in house, hides behind window curtains. "Walter con- 
fused. Frank creeps back down past window). 

FRANK: Has she gone? (by window) 

"WALT: (confused). "Well, — yes — 1 (Kate throws flowers through 
curtains on Frank). 

FRANK: Hello! (sees curtains). Oh, you rascal! T won't tell! 
(to "Walt) I congratulate you. old fellow! She's the finest girl in 
Virginia! 1 must go tell Jack! (exits L. U. Walt trying to stop him, 
goes up L. above window). 

KATE: (through curtains) Walter! 

WALT: (turns) Kate! 

KATE: Has he gone? 
WALT: Yes! (kisses her). 

FRANK: (ouside calls) "Walter! (she dodges in. Walt, quick 
around corner L. U. Pause.) 

SLUMS (creeps on R. 2. watching after Frank L. U.) There he 
goes! Mr. Frank Rawlins, your flattering resemblance to me may win 
me a fortune some day! Tf this rich old planter and his two children 

12. 



woe dead, you would be the next heir to his half million or more. It I 

should take your place, that fortune is mine! 1 must not be seen by 
any of the family but I'll 'keep my eye on him, though! It's a dangerous 
game, but it won't be the first one I have played! (Marah has entered 
R. U. during this speech, stopped to listen, creeping down back of him). 

MARAH: (wildly). John Simms! 

SIMMS: (starts and turns). Ha! Von.' 

MARAH: Yes, Fiend! Marah Kenneth, the mother of the poor 
girl you murdered! Ye betrayed her with a kiss, as Judas betrayed 
( 1 lis;! May the curse of Judas be upon you! 

SIMMS: (shrinking L. ('.) Silence, you hag! 

MARAH: Oh, my poor Margery! Ye ruined and killed her and 
drove n e mad! She cannot rest in her grave while you are out of yours! 

SIMMS: Be off, or I'll hurt you! 

MARAH: (laughs wildly). Hurt me? Ha, ha ha! I have waited 
for this hour!— waited night and day — waited and wept and prayed above 
her grave, that 1 might kill you! (springs at him with knife. Struggle — 
he throws her off. She falls ( . insensible). 

SIMMS: Damn her! I'll— Xo ! That might spoil all! I'll be off! 
(exit R. 2) 

MARAH: (slowly recovering). Ah! — where am [? — Oh, my heart! 
My heart! — Oh. I remember now! I tried to kill him, — him, who had 
killed my darling, my Margery! He has gone! Gone! Gone! I'll find 
him again, I'll find him! 'Sleep, deary, sleep.' Mothor'll come back 
when lie is dead! (looks R.) Ha! Yonder! Fly, John Simms! Fly! 
Hut Marah Kenneth will track ye as the blood-hound tracks the run-away 
slave through the swamp! Fly! Hut ye cannot escape mad Marah's 
curse! (exits R. 2) (PAUSE) 

(changing to twilight. — Yellow, then red. then green medium) 

(Col. R. and -lack enter L. U. E.) 

JACK i k. ('.) But, Father! Is there no hope of peace? 

COL. R. (down R. ('.) None! It is inevitable, ft is the culmina- 
tion of the long struggle between abolition and slavery. The hot tide of 
tional feeling lias risen, seething, higher and higher, till, like a volcano, 
it will burst into flame, sweeping all before it in a lava tide of ruin. 

JACK: Is there no hope of compromise? 

COL. R. There can be no compromise! We demand the protection 
of our rights and property. The North refuses. There is nothing left 
for us but to fight! Jack, your friend, our guest. Mr. Le Roy, must «*o 
a t once, while he can. 

JACK: He intends to go this evening. Father. I think Walter 
las something to say to you, before he goes. 

COL. TL (surprised). To me? What is it, -lack? i Kate enters 
from house) 

13- 



JA( K: Here comes Sister Kate. She can tell you. 

COL. R. (sinks in seat R. aside, pained). Wli.it ! How blind 1 
have been! (aloud) Kate! 

KATE: Father? 

COL. R. Honey, come here. (She crosses to him and sits at his 
feet. He strokes her hair). Kate, your gentle mother died when yon 
were only a wee, toddling thing. I pressed my baby girl closer to my 
wounded heart to ease its pain. I looked into your innocent t^yv^ and 
saw yonr mother's spirit there, and felt that I was not quite alone! 
Thank HJod that look is in them still! Von had no mother then, so I 
was all to yon — companion, confidante, protector! Look in my eyes, my 
girl! Is there not something in yonr heart you have not told me? 

KATE, (confused) Father! 

COL. R. (tenderly). There. Kate! I'll help yon! This Mr. Le 
Roy, has he told yon that he loves yon? 

KATE (with down-east eyes). Yes, Father. 

COL. R. .And do yon love him. my child? 

KATE: Yes. 

COL. R. My poor child! Would I could have saved you from 
this pain ? 

KATE: (surprised) Pain, Father? 

JACK: (L. C.) Father! He is a noble fellow and worthy the 
love of an empress! 

COL. R. (sadly) True, Jack, hut he is our foe! 

KATE (starts up). Xo, Father! 

COL. R. My Kate, you are a proud daughter of Virginia! You 
owe allegience to the sacred cause of the South! He would draw his 
sword against our rights! He is an alien, a stranger and our foe! 

KATE: But. Father, lie believes (Walt, enters from house) 

COL. R. Hush! Our guest! (rises. Jack goes L. near Walt). 

WALT: ( L. near door). Air. Rawlins, I cannot find words to 
thank you for kind hospitality while I 

FRANK (runs on L. U.) That scoundrel Waite is coming with 
two other black -guards. 

COL. R. What does this mean? Kate, you had best go in. 

KATE: Xo, Father! (crosses to L. of Walt.) 

WAITE: (enters L. U. with two men. Comes R. ('.) 'Scuse me, 
Mr. Rawlins! 1 have a painful duty to perform. You are harboring a 
Yankee spy! (to deputy) "There's yer man. Seize him.' ( Dep. jumps 
for Walt who knocks him R. C. Jack and Frank spring to either side of 
Walt. Kate, with a cry. throws her arms about him). 

COL. R. (C) Stop! He is my guest and the man who touches 
him is my foe! (PICTURE) This is not the act of a soldier, but of 
' brigand ! 

I A. 



VVAITE: My duty 1 

COL. R. You have no duty here, Sah! Go! 

WAITE (crossing up-L. with Deputies). Wait, young teller. I'll 
get \ <>li yet. 

COL. EL, Begone! (Waite & Deps. exeunt L. I".) Jack, I look 
to you and Frank to see that my guest is not molested. 

FRANK: Trust us for that! 

JACK: Yes! 

COL. R. Mr. Le Roy, it may sound strange for me. your host, to 
bid you go, but 

WALT: I came to tell you that I leave this evening. But before 
I go, I would tell you that I — (takes Kate's hand). Mr. Rawlins, that I 
love your daughter. 

COL. R. Come here. Kate. 

KATE: (crosses L. to him. pleadingly) Father!. 

COL. R. You force me to strain the laws of hospitality, Sah, by 
my touching upon a subject that should not be mentioned between us. 
We are Virginians, Sah, and we pledge our lives, our honor, our all upon 
the sacred cause of the South. 1 need not ask if you are with us, Sah! 

WALT: No, Mr. Rawlins, my duty calls me to the other side. 

COL. R. 'Then Kate is not for you, Sah.' 

KATE (pleadingly) Oh, Father. 

COL. R. (with emotion) Kate, by child! (opens arms. She falls 
sobbing, on his breast.) 1 respect, T honor you, Sail ; but there is a gulf 
of blood and fire between us! 

WALT: Is there, then, no hope? (boom of distant cannon and 
1 light of burning shell toward Sumpter. All start and stand on picture.) 

COL. R. The First Gun of the War! There is your answer! Co! 

JACK: Walter! 

WALT: (grasps .lack and Frank's hands). Jack! Frank! 
Good-bye; and may Cod protect you! (cannon) 

KATE: (rushes to his arms). Walter! 

WALT: Kate, my darling! You would not want me to stay! 

KATE (proudly) No, Walter, go! I could not love you if you 
could be false to what you thought was right! 

WALT: Cod bless you for those words, my Kate (cannon) I will 
he faithful to you and my duty! Good-bye, my darling! Good-bye, but 
not forever! (runs off L. U. E. Frank & Jack following). 

KATE: (C). Thank Heaven, lie was true to his honor! 

PICTURE. 
CURTAIN. 



SECOND PICTURE: Jack and Frank off. Kate fainted in Ool.'s 
arms. 

COL. R. Poor Child! Poor Child! 

CURTAIN. 

r ;. 



i 



ACT II. 

SCENE I.— Between the lines. — Wild, rocky wood scene in 4. with 
large rocks R. & L. — Largest one up L. I". MIKE enters with squad of 
l". S. soldiers at rise, from R. U. E. (set stump R. ('. near 3). 

MIKE (in orderly sergeant's uniform). Halt! Yez can rest at 
a/.e till the captain conies. Sure it's a thafe av a bounty-jumper ye/ are 
afther. Yez must he as still as a. cat afther a mouse! (looks off R.) 
Hello! Attention! shoulder Arms! (Walt, enters as ('apt. U. 3. — Mike 
s-alutes) 

WALT: Sergeant Mulhaly, a man wearing a black hat. brown 
coat, gray pants and cavalry boots, is in hiding, some where here. Have 
\ our men scatter and scour these woods thoroughly and report to you 
here. '1 hey must move cautiously, both in order to capture their man, 
and also to escape any Confederate scouts sent out by Early. Arrest any 
one not in Federal uniform, and hold him till he can be examined. You 
can then report to me. (Mike salutes. Walt exits I,. }.) 

MIKE: Now, scatter, me 'buccoos, 'and walk as if yez was walkin' 
on eggs! (all off L. 3 E.) Simms peeps out from behind rock, L. U. after 
them, then comes out cautiously) 

SIMMS: That was a close call! I must yet out or these clothes 
and make my escape, (looks L.) Ha! (hides again). 

MIKE: (re-enters L. 2. takes out German book). Now. thin, while 
I'm waitin' for thim 'omadahns', I'll jist give mesilf another Dutch 
lesson, (reads) "Ah-bay-tsay-day," Oh, begorry! the letters all have 
asshumed names! •AYallen Sie spatzieren gay-en?" Oh, bedad! studyin' 
Dutch is the hardest thrade a man can learn! I'll jist wait till the cool 
av the avenin'. 1 think I'll jist write some poetry to me swate-heart, 
I ena. Let me see, thin what rhymes wid Schmatzenwicks ? There's 
Bats-and-bricks, and Slats-and-sticks. and Pats-and-kicks, and Spats-and- 
licks, and Smashin'-Micks, — Wow! by me soul, that's a fightin' name! 
Sure it makes me think av the broken heads at Donnybrook Fair! 
Spakin' o' fightin", sure. I'm forgettin' the arms and the torpedo and 
the aitins I captured this mornin' and hid in a holler log. Wow! Who's 
this? (hides L. 2. behind rock). 

FRANK (enters R. 2. singing) "Never trouble trouble till trouble 
troubles you!*' I'm somewhere between the lines; but, like the puppy 
with the turtle, 1 can't make head or tail of it. I'm as bad off as the 
old darkey preacher, "1 aint jes sure whether de whale swallowed donah. 
or donah whaled the swallow or the swallow "Jonahed" the whale!" I 
must get out of this! 

MIKE (rises with gun) Hould on. me "bucco!" I'll help yez! 

FRANK: (aside recognizing Mike) Great Scott! Mike! (aloud) 
Good Morning! 

MIKE: The top o' the mornin' to yez! 

1 6. 



FRANK: Can you tell ine the way to the Confederate lines? 

MIKE: Av course I can — but av course I won't! I'll jist show 
yez the way to the Union* lines, me b'y. 

FRANK: That's very kind of you. Will you have a cigar? (takes 
it from pocket ) 

MIKE: A Sc -oar is it! Will I have a SE-gar! Sure I don't mind 
if 1 do. (Frank starts to hand it to him) Hould on! Yez can jist lax- 
it on the stump ferninst, and take two steps to the rear, (bus) Will I 
have a SE-gar — (gets it) The top o' the mornin' to yer honor! Here's 
lookin' at yez! — Have yez a match? 

FRANK: (bus) Certainly. (Same business). 

MIKE: Hould on! Put it on the stump! (Mike backs, Prank 
advances and leaves it on stump then back). Oh, begorrah! But that's 
a fine SE-gar! Sure yez must be the "High Muck-amuck!" Are yez Gin- 
era] Early? 

FRANK: No. I'm generally early; but now they'll be askin': 
"What made ye late?" 

MIKE: Oil, thin, yer name's Major Late? 

FRANK: Oh. no, Sergeant Michael Mulhaly. 

MIKE: How the divil did yez know me name was Michael Mul- 
haly? 

FRANK: Oh, everyone in both armies, knows the gallant Ser- 
geant Michael Mulhaly. 

MIKE (confused) Begorrah! I'm smeared all over w id blushes! 
Yer Honor yez do me proud. (Frank offers hand) Stay where you are! 
I'll take your word for it. 

FRANK: So you don't know me. Mike? 
MIKE: By me sould: I don't. Who the Divil are yez? 

FRANK: Lieutenant Frank Rawlins, at your service. 

MIKE (drops gun and grabs his hands) Oh. bedad! Bother me 
for a blunderin' black-guard that I didn't know yez at the first wink! 
now are yez. .Mr. Frank? And how are Lena and the beautiful Miss 
Katherine? 

FRANK: ( h. they're quite well. Mike. By the way! I have a 
letter from Cousin Kate for Walter. Will you give it to him? (gives 
Mike letter). 

MIKE: Will I though! Sure he'll be as happy as a little b'y 
wkl a pair o' new boots. 

FRANK: (near Mike's gun) Well. Good-bye, Mike! 

Mn\E: Hould on there! Yez are me prisoner! 

FRANK, (with gun) No. Mike. You are MY prisoner. 

MIKE: Stop yer jokin' Mr. Frank, and give me the gun! ('apt. 
Walter tould me to arrest everybody I found betune the lines. 

FRANK: And that's what Gen. Early told me. You'll have to 

*7- 



come along Mike. 

MIKE: Begorrah! Vex have turned the table* on me! Do yez 
mane, it. Mr. Frank'' 

FRANK; Of course 1 mean it. Mike! Orders arc orders, you 
know ; so, come on ! 

MIKE: Mould on! How the Divil can 1 give (apt. Walter this 
letter, thin? 

FRANK: (laughing) Well. Mike. I guess I'll have to let you go 
this time, (gives him the gun) Good-bye! (starts as if to go). 

MIKE: Hould on, Mr. Frank! You're MY prisoner. Orders are 
orders, ye/, know; so, come on. 

FRANK: (smiling) Well, .Mike, how am I to tell Cousin Kate 
that Walter got her letter? 

MIKE (scratches his head, puzzled). Begob! Here's a muddle! 
Wait there, while I think it out; (crosses L. C.) ami don't yez thry to 
escape; and/ if yez do. for the Lord's sake don't go that way, (points L.) 
or they'll capture yez! 

FRANK: (laughs) Thanks. Mike! I won't then. 

MIKE: And if yez git away, hide in a holler three, and don't yez 
move an eye-winker till every black-guard av us is out o' these woods, 
and thin streak it for the 1 Rebel lines, beyant that hill yander. (points) 
(sits with back to Frank.) 

FRANK: All right Mike, (goes out 11. 2. laughing) 

MIKE; Oh, begorrah, that's a foine SE-gar! Have yez another 
match, Mr. Frank? (reaches hand behind him. — waits) Oh, bedad! It's 
aslape he is. I think. Never moind! It's goin' yet. — Are yez there? — 
(pause) If yez are. ye're a blamed fool! — Are yez gone. Mr. Frank? — 
(pause. "One, — two — three — four! I'm not goin' to count anymore!'' 
(turns) Oh, begob! Where the Divil is he thin? Sure, it's disappeared 
atf the face o' the Earth that lie lias! Well, begorrah! If I find him 
again, I'll hould him tight! (exits L. 2 whistling Irish air loud). 

SIMMS: (looks from behind rock). The very chance! What 
Devil sent nim here to tempt me? I enter the Union army under his name, 
and thus hide my own identity, I escape the death of a bounty- jumper 
and win my right to retain that estate by my allegience to the Northern 
side — Hello! (hides). 

FRANK: (coming on R. 2). Mike's all right! Well, this is a 
pretty kettle of fish! For the first time in two years we are back to 
the old home, and here I am. caught between the lines, with important 
dispatches to Gen. Early. I'll lie low and wait till these woods are 
cleared, and — (going up toward rock. Simms springs up and grapples 
with him. Struggle) You scoundrel! 

SIMMS: (stabs him and he falls behind rock L. U.) Yes and 
you'll wait a good while longer! Now for this uniform and the des- 

1 8. 



patches. They'll insure me a good reception at Washington, (during 
speech lie throws off his coat and hat. baking Frank's) I'll hide till 
midnight and be off. If they find his body, he is John Simms now, and 
1 am Frank Rawlins! (comes out R. of Rock) 

WALT: (entering L. 3 sees him) Frank! 

SIMMS: (starts but recovers self-possession) Walter! 

WALT: (grasping his hand). How are you, old fellow! My (Jod, 
man! What are you doing here? My men will capture you! 

SIMMS: I came to bring you a letter from Kate. 

WALT: God bless you. old man! Where is it? 
SIMMS: 1 gave it to Mulhaly to give you. 

WALT: But, Frank! You must get back inside of your lines! 
You see I have not forgotten our last morning together, at Charleston. 

SIMMS: (fishing to find out what he means) Oh! You mean 
wnen Kate hid in the window? 

WALT: Xo. 1 mean the oath we took. What was it. Frank? 

SIMMS: (at sea) I — I don't remember. 

WALT: (surprised) YOU DON'T REMEMBER? 

SIMMS: (Petulantly) No.— you see that is a shell burst 

close to my head, and it affected my memory. 

WALT: Well, I have not forgotten, Frank. There lie your lines. 
Go cautiously and avoid our scouts. They are searching these woods. 
( tood-bye! 

SIMMS: (shakes hands). Good- toe! (exits. L. 3) 

WALT: (looking after him). Strange! What can be the matter 
with Frank? He is not at all like his old bright self. % I can't understand 
iti (turns to go R. meets Marah, who enters R. 2.) Marah! 

MARAH: Ave! Marah! Mad Marah. they call me! 

WALT: What are you doing here? 

MARAH: Hunting a snake, — a poisonous, slimy snake, that 
crawled across my Margery's young life, — that stung her heart and killed 
l.cr! 

WALT: You are not safe here, Marah; come with me. 

MARAH: Xo. no! My Margery cannot sleep till I have killed 
him ! • 

WALT: Who? 

MARAH: John Simms! 

WALT: The Deserter! . . I must have her taken away from 
here. She might he killed, (exits R. 2) 

MARAH (C). All last night, as I lay down yonder, 1 heard the 
voices of the great .swamp! The whip-poor-will's cry. the wailing of the 
screech. -owls and the sobbing wind in the cypress trees! There was a dead 
man lying in a pool of blood in the tall grass, with a broken sword in his 
hand! I turned the dead face to the moonlight, but it was not his! 

TO. 



\'ni lu's! But I'll find him, Margery! Poor little Margery! My little 

one who patted my cheek with her chubby hands, — whose baby prattle 
tilled my heart brim-full of joy! Oh. who would have dreamed that a 
Devil's hand could write '"Shame" upon that angel brow! 

FRANK: (struggling up from behind rock L. U.) Help! Help! 

MARAH: (wildly drawing knife). It is he! At last! At last! 
Ha, ha. ha! (rushes at him with knife raised. He catches her wrist.) 

FRANK: Woman! What woulld you do? 

MARAH: (struggling) Kill you! 

FRANK: Why? 

M.\RAH: (rises with knife) Why! You ask me that? Ha. ha, 
ha! Why? Because you ruined and killed my child, my Margery, John 
Simms! (Starts at him again). 

FRANK: Hold. Marah, for God's sake! I am not John Simms! 

.MARAH (looking in his face) You are not John Simms? 

FRANK: Xo. 1 am Frank Rawlins, Kate's cousin. 

MARAH: Kate Rawlins' cousin! My God! And I would have 
killed you! Xo! You are not he, and yet so like! So like it, would 
have deceived any but mad Marah who knows his hated face so well! 

FRANK: (starts) What! Is John Simms like me? 

MARAH: As a twin brother, (sees coat) Ha! He wore that 
coat too! 

FRANK: Then he is the scoundrel who stabbed me and then 
robbed me! 

MARAH: Come! Lean on me! I'll hide ye and nurse ye back to 
health again for sweet Kate Rawlins' sake! Then we will find him 
together, and kill him! Kill him! Ha. ha, ha! (helps him off during 
speech R. U.) 

MIKE (enters L. 2. with torpedo, with trigger and guns all 
around him) Redad. I surrounded the Rebel arsenal! Sure it's the proud 
day for me whin I bring these into camp! (looks L.) Howly Smoke! 
Here comes the whole Rebel army! (Corporal Bird & Confederate sol- 
diers run in L. 2 & surround him. Mike turning with guns, they dodge 
him ,. 

BIRD: Rut down them guns. Yankee! 

MIKE: I WILL not! (turning Bus) 

BIRD: Put down that scrap-iron! 

MIKE: If yez start a "sera])' w id me, yez'U think they're 'scrap'- 
irons! 

BIRD: Look out. men! Them guns are cocked! Rut 'em down. 
you infernal Yankee, or I'll shoot you! 

MIKE: (tinning) Thin 1*11 drop this torpedo and blow yez all' 
the face o' the Earth! Begorrah. I think I'll drop it anyway! (Confed's 
all jump away I . 

JO. 



BIRD: Why. you idiot! you'd kill yourself! 

MIKE: That's none o' your business! (turns rapidly, bus. of all 
dodging, as Federal soldiers & sergeant run on L. 2 driving all Rebs, who 

retreat R. U . followed by Federals). Bedad! That was a close call 
though! 1 thought they had me that time, sure! (Union soldiers hack 
R. LI.) \\'o\\! Sergeant, Yez saved me that time sure! (turn bus. all 
dodge). 

I'XlwX SERGEANT (FRANK): Put 'em down, you fool Irishman, 
or you'll have us all killed! Put 'em down! 

MIKE (turns) 1 will not! I've captured thim and I'm goin' to 
take thim into camp! 

SERGEANT (behind .Mike) "Croppy, lie down!" 

.MIKE: (drops guns and raises torpedo over his head). Wow! 
Snow me the black-guard av an Orangeman that hollered that! I'll blow 
um to paces! (all hide). 

SERGEANT: (behind rock R. 2.) Hold on! Can't you take a joke? 

MIKE (mad) Divil the joke that is! "Croppy. lie down!" 
"Croppy, lie down!" If yez don't want to go ter yer master, the Divil, 
never say that again to a true Irishman! "Croppy, lie down!" 

SERGEANT: Well, put down that torpedo. Mike. 

MIKE: (sits down with it) Sure. I'll put it down! (.Opens lid, 
-its and eats out of it. All laugh). 

SERGEANT: Well. I'll he hlowed! 

MIKE: Not wid this yez won't! (Bird & Confed's on R. 1. all 
fight off R. exeept Bird & Mike). 

BIRD: (R. C.) Surrender Yank! 

MIKE: (L. C.) Divil a bit. Jonnie! Surrender yerself! or bedad, 
I'll surround yez! (makes rush at Bird who steps aside, throws haver- 
sack over Mike's head and trips him up. Mike falls on face. Bird sits 
on his back) Fight fair, ye Divil! 

BIRD: Xow surrender. Irish, or I'll blow the head off of you. 

MIKE: (with bag on his head) Mould on, Jonnie, ye robber! I 
surrender! (sits up, trying to get bag oil'). Divil take the bag! Do yez 
think ye're dhrownin' a kittin? The curse of Cromwell on a thafe av a 
Rebel that catches yez in a dip-net! 

BIRD: 'laughing) Bring 'em in. men! (Confed's bring in Fed- 
erals as prisoners. A color sergeant with flag, has been wounded in 
head. Confed's gather up guns and put them L. I". Prisoners near R. 2. 
with guard. Flag against R. 2. wing) 

UN. SERGEANT: Hello. Mike! Did they bag you too? 

MIKE: i with disgust) Vis. they "Bagged" me! (all laugh) 
Divil fly away wid an omadahn that fights wid a bag instead av a gun! 
(to Bird) Who the divil are yez. anyway? 

BIRD: (laughing) Well. Irish. I'm Corporal Bird, of Gen. Early's 

21. 



\ 



command. 

MIKE: So, ye're the "Early bird" are yez'i 

BIRD: Yes. and "The early bird catches the worm!" 

MIKE: Thin I suppose I'm the worm, am I. ye thafe? 

BIRD: (laughing) Yes, Irish. You're the worm, all right! What 

regiment do you belong to? 

MIKE: The 128 14 Rhode Island Infantry, begob! (laughs slyly 

aside). 

BIRD: (whistles) Whew! I knew there was a devil of a lot of 
you Yanks! 

MIKE: (aside) I thought that would jar 'urn ! (COL. WAITE 
ENTERS L. 3. Confed's rise and salute). 

COL. W: So. Corporal, you've caught a litter of the damned Yan- 
kees, have you? 

BIRD: (salutes) Yes, Colonel. 

WAITE: (sees flag R. 2.) Hello! What's this? The damned 
Abolition rag! (tears it from staff) 

COLOR SARG. (FRANK) (staggers up) You scoundrel! 
WAITE: (knocks him down). You damned Yank, lie down! 
(Mike & U. S. soldiers make start and cries of "Shame!" "Coward!" 
"Dog!" etc) Bind the Yankee curs and bayonet the first one that 
moves! (Confed's bind them reluctantly). What d'ye reckon ye are? 
You Yankees are cowards, sneak-thieves, curs! (Col. Rawlins enters R. 3. 
and stops). Damn your calico rag! (throws it down L. of him) I'll 
stomp out every star! (raises foot). 
COL. R. (C) (firmly). Stop! 

WAITE: (turns angrily). What the Hell 

COL, R. Stop. I say! We've all of us shot at that flag, Sah. 
She was taken from brave men to-day. — men who are ready to die for 
her. Xo coward shall call her a rag! 

WAITE: (reaches for pistol.) What! Coward! 
COL. R. (coolly covers him with pistol). Col. Waite, drop your 
hand, Sah! (he obeys doggedly) (to soldiers) Untie those men. (they 
start to obey). 

WAITE: What d'ye mean? 

COL. R. I mean that flag is a thing no brave foeman will trample! 
A thing that no coward shall jeer! 

WAITE: (makes move for pistol. Col. R. covers him). Coward! 
COL. R. (with pistol). Yes, coward! — Col. Waite, you can't set 
your heel on that flag, Sah. I'm a Rebel, clean through, but she's down 
now. I'll shield her or I'm not Bob Rawlins of Virginia! (stoops to pick 
up flag. Waite takes a step back and reaches for pistol behind him. 
Bird makes step to stop him. Shell, with burning fuse, falls on from L. 
near prisoners. Confed's jump away or drop flat. Waite gives a veil of 



terror and jumps behind rock L. U. Col. Rawlins cooly picks it up and 
throws it out hack of him, behind rock L. U. Explosion. Waite blown 
on at hack of stage dead. • Col. R. surprised.) 

(PICTURE AND ( HANGE OF SCENE) 



SCENE 2. --The Swamp Road — in 1. — Trick opening in ('. with cut 
edge for Simms. Twilight as scene advances. 

SIMMS: (sneaking on from ('. opening). Talk about luck! I 
tooled Le Roy completely! But 1 must not get into the Confederate lines, 

tor 1 fear Col. Rawlins would detect the cheat. Resides. I would have 
to give up these dispatches, and they will he valuable to me in Wash- 
ington. I Looks R. & dodges in C. opening, or, if none, off L. 1.) (Enter 
federal prisoners, R. 1. with Mike last. Confed. guards with Bird follow- 
ing Mike with bayonet). 

MIKE: Kape your bayonet away from me pants. Corporal Buz- 
zard! 

BIRD: See here, you Mick, my name's Bird! 

MIKE: Well, Bird, or Buzzard. I wish 1 had yez in a ten acre lot 
wid a shelalah; I'd make your head ring like a cow-bell! 

BIRD: Halt, men! (bus. to Mike) I reckon I'd better search 
you. 

MIKE: Xo yez don't Corporal Duck! (all laugh) 

BIRD: (with bayonet) See here. Yank! I'm Corpora] Bird! 

MIKE: Eould on! 1 forget what kind av a damned fowl yez 
was! (two Confed's seize his arms from behind) Lave go o' me. ye 
Divils! (Bird search.es him. gets (Herman book) Wow! There goes the 
whole German language! 

BIRD: (laughing) Oh. look at the book of Irish tactics! 

MIKE: Tactics, ye robber! If yez take a dose av that ye'll think 
it's tactics. Corporal Hen ! 

BIRD (shouts) Bird! 

MIKE: Poultry! (all laugh) Rade it. Corporal Goose (all laugh) 
There's one comfort: he'll break his jaw on it! 

BIRD: (gets Walt's letter). Fello! What's this? 

MIKE: Rut that hack, ye robber! 

151 RD: (reads) Captain Walter Le Roy. 

MIKE: Ye thafe! Ye black-guard! Give it back to me! That's 
a private letter to me Captain, and it's from a rale lady! 

BIRD: Oh! It's from a lady, eh? Let's see! (tears it open). 

MIKE: Oh, ye robber! If I ever catch yez, I'll make yez think 
ver pants are lined wid bumble-bees! Don't yez rade that, ye dam 
Filleloo bird! 

BIRD: Shut up! (reads) "My darling Walter." Oh. her darling 
Walter! I la. ha. ha! 

2,3- 



MIKE:* (groans). Oh, ye Divil's chicken! (Simms seen listening) 

BIRD: (reading) ".Meet me at ten tonight at the old mill. I have 
something very important to tell you." We'll be there, all right! Ha, 
ha, ha! (Mike groans). "Your own Katherine." Ha, ha, ha! Who the 
Devu s Kat herine ? 

MIKE: Site was the Empress av Rooshy, ye dam crow! 

BIRD: (kicks him) Bird, you infernal Irish Yankee! Call me 
out of my name again and I'll kick you out of this neck of timber! 
I Feds, run on L. 1. surprising Confeds. Take arms and give to Fed. 
prisoners. During this, as soon as attack .Mike tackles Bird). 

MIKE: Wow! Here's a scrimmage! (trips up Bird, puts haver- 
sack on him and sits down on his back). 

UN. SERGEANT: Surrender! (bus.) March! 

MIKE: Hould on a minute! Here, ye C'ookoo! Gimme that 
letter! (gets it). Ye catbird! (kicks him. trying to get up) Ye 
canary bird! (kick) Gimme me book av Dutch talk, ye wood- pecker! 
(N. B. BIRD IS RED-HEADED). 

BIRD: in]) on feet, mad). See here, you dam Mick, my name's 
Bird! 

MIKE: Oh, ye're a -Bird" YOU are! .Ye're the -Early bird." 
Weil, here's where the "Early bird' catches the Divil ! Take him away! 
Take him away! Put that rooster in a coop! (Sergeant motions to go). 

BIRD: (L. C.) Wait a minute! let me smash that Mick ! 

MIKE: (tin-owing down coat). Oh, it's a fightin' cock yez are, 
is it'.' bet him come! Eet me at him! Lave us alone and I'll show yez 
the most beautiful fight yez ever saw! (soldiers holding them apart). 

SERGEANT: Stop this row! March! (taking the prisoners 
off L. l.i 

BIRD: (going halloos back at Mike) I'll meet you again, some 
day ! 

MIKE: Well, if yez do, ye'll think it's rainin' fists. Corporal 
Duck! (exit soldiers and prisoners L. 1.) (looks at his fist). Bedad! 
If i ever hit w id that, he wouldn't come down to the ground for three 
weeks! The thafe! To rade Miss Kate's beautiful letter! The omadahn! 
Such a swate letter, too! Bedad! I think I'll jist write a letter in 
poetry to Lena! Let me think! (Looking off L. or facing L. thinking). 

LENA: (enters R. 1.) My gracious! I vould like to found 
Mikey! I didn't saw him for two veeks now vonce. Oh. who dot'.' 

MIKE (thinking) Begorrah, I can't make but one line rhyme! 

LENA: Oh. dot vas him! Vat vas he didding vonce also? 

MIKE: Aisy, thin! What was that purty verse Mr. Jack used to 
say to Miss Kate? I'll write that to Lena. 

LENA: (laughing to herself) My gracious! He vas wroting me 
a letter now already vonce! 

24- 



MIKE: "There was a little girrl and she has a little currl, right 
in her foehead so haughty; Whin she was good she was very, very good: 
and whin she was not she was naughty!" 

LENA: (clasps hands) Oh, dot vas bootiful! (behind him) Wie 
gates ? 

MIKE: Wow! (turns. She keeps behind him). 

LENA: Who it vas? 

MIKE: Lena! 

LENA (laughs) Somebody telled you! (Mike kisses her) Of 
yon don't vent away from dot inout' in ten minutes, 1 vill sehream. 

MIKE: Oh. Lena! I'm as happy as a young duck in a mud-puddle! 
Lena darlin' how are yez thin? 

LENA: Oh. I vas putty veil. How you vas vonce alreaty? 

MIKE: (hugs her). All the better for seein' yez, Swate-heart! i 
was jist writin' yez a love-letter. 

LENA: Yah. I did beared it. Dot vas bootiful. 

MIKE (pleased). Yez heard it, did yez. Lena darlin'.'' 

LENA: Yah. Dis iss vat it did saided: "Dere vas a leedle gerl, 
I nd she had a leedle kerl, Right in de between off her eye-prow! (Mike 
laughs) Ven she vas goot, she vas putty ferry goot; Und ven she vas 
pad, she vas awful pad!" 

MIKE: Well, would yez hear that now! Ha. ha. ha! 

LENA (hurt) Vy you make fun b\ me vonce? 

MIKE: (takes her in his arms) Sure, darlin' I'm not makin' fun 
o* yez! Oli, Lena. I love yez that well I've been waitin 5 for three 
years, to ask yez to be my wife. 

LENA (looking down): Yel, vat for you vaited? I vish you 
vould ask me sometime, vonce, putty kvick (quick) 1 vould telled you: 
"Yah!" 

MIKE: Oh, Lena. Acushla! Sure it's rainin' happiness till I'm 
soaked through wid it! Will yez be me wife tonight? 

LENA (cuddles up to his side). Yah, Mikey dear! I tink dot 
vould been putty nice, don't it? (picture). 

JOE (out R. 1.) Missee Lena! Missee Lena! 

LENA: Oh, Py gracious! Dot vas onkle Yoe! (doe runs on 
frightened) . 

JOE: Fob goodness. Missee Lena, am dat you? Dress de Lawd! 

MIKE.: What's the matter wid yez, doe? 

JOE: Why, you's Mars' Mulhaly! Fob de Lawd, ['se dat bad 
ske-yahed I putty nigh swallahed mah-self! 

MIKE: (laughs) Yez must be awful scart thin! 

JOE: Yes, Sab. Yob see I'se Mars' Kernel Dob's body sahvant: 
an* he done tell me fob me to keep my eye skim fob Mars' Frank, kase 
he done low Mars' Frank be gettin' back" this evenin'. Kase he was over to 

25- 



(!:• 'Hind-quarters. So I snuck 'Ion*, and I snuck 'long fru de timbah; 
an' jo' den, I done see a Yankee so'ger wif a "swo'd" mor'ne ten foot 
long! 

LENA: My gracious! Vat you did did, Yoe? 

JOE: I des snuck in a holloh Iawg, an' I des shuck an' shuck so 
hawd I low I done shuck de hawk all offen dat lawg! (Simms seen 
listening) 

MIKE: Well, doc, what made yez come out here in the timber? 

JOE: I'se a lookin' foh Mars' Frank, Sail. I'se feahed dem Yan- 
kee so'gers has done killed him, Sah. 

MIKE: No, doe. he's all right. (Whisper) I saw him a little 
hit ago and started him home to camp meself. 

JOE: (greatly relieved) Press de Lawd! I done 'low I bettah 
be makin' back tracks mah-self! I'se pow'ful ske-yahed dem Yankee 
so'gers done kotch me, Sah. 

MIKE: (mischievously) Joe, I'm a Yankee soldier meself. 

JOE: Lawd! Mais' Mulhaly. you isn't one dem Yankees, is yoh? 

MIKE: I am that, doe; and I think I'll jist have to take yez 
prisoner. 

JOE: (falls on knees) Foh de Lawd, Mars' Mulhaly, doan' take 
a poah ole niggah! Dem Yanks 'ud jes' eat me; an' I'se so ole an' tough, 
I wouldn't make no good eatin' no how! 

LENA: Mikey dear, don't hurted Onkle Yoe! Letted him vent 
pack ! 

MIKE: (aside to her) Whist! Lena darlin'! I'll not hurt um. 

JOE: (in terror) Mars' Mulhaly, be mussiful to Uncle doe, a 
poah. mis'able sinnah ! 

MIKE (laughing) Get up, doe, get up! Yez'll wear out the 
kriase av yer pants! I'm not goin' to take yez! 

JOE: (gets up) Bress de Lawd! I done lowed 1 was a gonner, 
shoah! 

MIKE: (points L. 1.) Do yez see that road beyant? Well, yez 
jist foller that and yez'll be inside av the Rebel lines inside av a mile. 
Kape close to the ground, me 'buccoo', or they may catch yez yit. 

JOE:- I done stick closah to de groun' dan a ge-ahtah snake! Ef 
I des doan git dat ske-ahed dat I des shock de whole ground! (stage 
gradually dark from doe's entrance). 

MIKE (crosses R. of Lena) Come, Lena Acushla. And. doe. give 
me respicts to Mr. Rawlins and Mr. Jack, God bless him! Ye're safe if 
yez stick to that road like a sick kitten to a hot brick! (Exeunt Mike 
and Lena R. 1.) 

dOE: (looking after them) Foh de Lawd! I'se mos' ske-ahed 
to breave! (Simms on L. of him. Joe turns, sees him. falls on knees). 
Foh de Lawd's sake doan' hu't a poah, ole niggah! 

26. 



SIMMS: Oh, Joe! It's mo— Frank. Gel up! 

JOE: Praise de Lawd! Mars' Frank, I dpne 'low it war one oh 
dem Yanks! 

SIMMS: No! You're safe enough. Sec here. 1 want yon to take 
a letter to Uncle Bob Rawlins, (writing note). 

JOE: (aside) What's de niattah wif Mars' Frank V Him doan' 
'pear like hisse'f 'tall; an' liini doan' talk like folks frum de Sonf. 

SIMMS: (gives note) There! Now hustle, doe! 

JOE: Mars' Frank, what's de niattah wif yoh voice. Salt? Him 
sounds mighty quare. 

SIMMS: (bruskly) Oh, I've caught a cold, that's all! Now be 
oil' and don't let the grass grow under your feet! 

JOE: (crosses L.) Yes Sah. I done hustle, you bet! (exits L.) 

SIMMS: Ha. ha. ha! Luck plays into my hand to-day! I'm 
Frank Rawlins now. I'll catch them all! The girl goes to the old mill, 
eh? Well, my note 1 to Col. Rawlins will bring him and, perhaps, his son 
too. He'll be crazy mad. If he kills her, that saves me the trouble; and 
a couple of shots, in the dark may settle them, and leave me the only 
heir to the Rawlins wealth! (he exits L. 1, chuckling triumphantly to 
himself.) 

(CHANGE OF SCENE) 



SCENE 3. — Interior of Old Mill. Wooden door, (to sash) with 
bar to it. 3 L. flat. — Window with shutter to close & bar R. flat. — Mill 
race to wheel-pit curb, (with exit back of it & water effect) R. 3. — 
Waters to rush down sluice at cue, an noise of waters to work off R. — 
Door and window both open, moonlight streaming in at opening of scene. 
Staue totallv dark otherwise. Forest backing. 



SIMMS: (enters door cautiously, and looks around; in moon- 
light through window). I thought I saw Marah Kenneth yonder! Curse 
her! She makes my blood run cold with fear! I'll hide here till midnight 
and then escape and make my way to Washington. Curse it! Le Roy 
came upon me before I could get young Rawlins' sword! I have only 
this pistol, and I dare not fire it for fear of bringing down the Federal 
scouts. (Marah's face appeal's outside of window). What was that? 
(closes window). 

MARAH: Ha! I knew it! 

SIMMS: (crouching in dark). Damn her! 

MARAH: (at door with knife). Ha. ha. ha! John Simms, mad 
Marah tracks ye like a blood-hound! Where are ye? (she creeps along 
scene, feeling for him with knife. He circles to front, creeping, till he 
gets near door and rushes out with a cry of terror. She springs up). 
Gone! Oh, curse him! curse him! I'll kill him! T'll (runs out 

27- 



through door. PAUSE. Whip-poor-will heard in distance, chirp of 
cricket, wind in the trees, etc.) 

KATE: (appearing in door-way). Walter! Walter! No one 
here? I thought I heard a voice as I approached, (leans against door). 
Oh, I am so frightened I can scarcely stand! There! I must be brave! 
.It is to save him, — my Walter, my own Walter! Why is he not here? 
Can anything have happened to him? Ha! What was that? 

WALT: (outside R.) Kate! (he appears at door. She gives 
low cry and tails into his arms). Don't be frightened, my darling! It 
is only I. Walter. 

KATE: Oh. Walter, my darling! 

WALT: Poor Child! Yon are cold and trembling! 

KATE: Oh, T was so frightened, Walter! 

WALT: Kate, dear! This was an awful risk tor yon to inn! — To 
come here alone, at night! Why did yon do it? 

KATE: (proudly) To save you, Walter! Oh. yon know not what 
a tine woman can dare for the man she loves! 

WALT: My Kate! 

KATE: (nervously) But what if we should be surprised? That 
steep path is the only approach to the mill! 

WALT: Xo. This chute goes down to the dry bed of the stream, 
there; and the road crosses it not fifty yards below. See! (bus.) I'll 
fasten this sash here, and we can escape this way in case of surprise. 

KATE: Von are so thoughtful! — But listen. Walter! I must make 
haste. I came to save yon. 

WALT: To save me? 

KATE: Yes. Col. Waite has never for»'iven you for slipping 
through his fingers, at Charleston, four years ago. He has sworn to 
have your life. 

WALT: 1 am not afraid of him, Kate. 

KATE: Walter, yon do not know that man! He will stop at 
nothing to accomplish his revenge. One of his spies saw yon at our 
house last week. 

WALT: What! 

KATE: I happened to be on the opposite side of the hedge as he 
was planning, with his man. to trap you, Walter. 

WALT: To trap me'.' How. Kate? 

KATE: Having learned that yon love me, Walter, lie means to 
catch you with a decoy letter which he intends to sign with my name, 
and then to waylay and shoot yon when yon come to the supposed 
place of meeting. 

WALT: The Scoundrel! I'll catch him in his own trap! (clasps 
her). My darling Kate! Heaven bless you for a brave and noble woman! 

KATE: It was not courage, it was love that gave me strength to 

28. 



conic here. Do you not know a true woman could gladly give her life 
for one she loves? (starts) Hark! What was that? Horsemen coming 
down the road! (She springs to door and props it with bar. He fasten- 
ing window. Lights half down. Sound of horses approaching, then 
stopping.) 

COL. R. (outside) They're here. men. 

I\.\TK: My Father!— What shall we do? 

V»ALT: Quick! Down here, then run to the road yonder, and you 
are safe. I'll hold them at hay and then follow, if possible. But don't 
wait for me! (She lias dropped small throw she wore on head, near ('. — 
During speech he has lowered her down with sash.) Safely down! (He 
springs to door with back against it, as knock comes. Loud knock). 

COL. K. (outside) Open that door! 

WALT: Never! Stand hack! 

COL. R. Who's there? 

WALT: A detachment of the United States army, (laugh out- 
side). 

COL. R. What! How many of you are there? 

WALT: Enough to hold this position! 

COL. R. Von scoundrel! 1 know you! 1 command you to sur- 
render! 

WALT: Never! (putting in bar and bracing door with hack at 
same time). 

COL. R. Burst in the door, men! (bayonet thrust through door 
under Walter's arm. He succeeds in barring door, then turns and shoots 
along bayonet; it is drawn out.) 

VOICE (outside) Dam him! I'm wounded! 

COL. R. They ma\ escape by the sluice. Turn on the water! 
! Noise of locks). 

WALT: My God! She'll he drowned! No! I can reach her be- 
fore the Hood! (leaps down chute. Noise of waters, then water seen 
rusning down race and plunging down wheel pit. Door burst in. Col., 
Jack and soldiers enter). 

COL. R. (R. C.— sees sash). Ha. ha! 1 thought so! (to soldier) 
Quick! The lower road! Catch him! (several soldiers rush out) — (to 
soldier) Shut off the waters! (Soldier exits through door, and in a min- 
ute, waters stop. Jack has seen Kate's scarf or throw and picked it up. 
hiding it in coat. Col. sees him). 

COL. R. What was that. Sah ? 

JACK: My handkerchief. 

COL. R. (tears it from -lack's breast). Give it to me. Sah! Hers! 
(to soldiers) Bring that man back, dead or alive! (all soldiers off). 
This man is caught, alone, at night, within our lines! He shall die the 
death of a spy! 

•20. 



• LACK: ( I.. C. grabs up sash which Col. has thrown ('. ) No, he 
was not in disguise, but wore the Northern uniform ! 

COL. R. What do you mean? 

JACK: A scout is not a spy! He is entitled to all the rights and 
courtesies of war! 

COL. K. Jack, this 

JACK: This is the true Southern Chivalry, that you, yourself, 
have taught me! To be courteous to a prisoner and just to an enemy! 

COL. R. (in rage) What! Would you spare this Yankee hound 
who has made your sister his 

JA( K: Hold! You must not — you shall not say that word! 

COL. R. What do you mean? 

JACK: I mean you shall not tarnish the fair name of my sister! 

COL. R. Sir, I 

JACK: I will defend the honor of our family, even against you! 
(shouts outside). 

COL. R. You are under arrest, Sah! (soldiers enter with Walter). 

SOLDIER: We've got him, Sah! (pushes him L. near Jack). 

JACK: (aside to him QUICK) Safe? 

VY^dT: (aside to Jack QUICK) Yes! 

COL. R. (to soldiers) Put Capt. Rawlins under arrest! (bus) 
Guard outside, men! I wish to speak with the prisoner alone. (Soldiers 
with Jack, exit) Speak, Sah! Whom did you come here to meet? 

WALT: I refuse to answer. 

COL. R. Then I will answer for you, you scoundrel! (holds up 
Kate's throw). You came to keep an assignation with the woman you 
had ruined! 

WALT (enraged). Recall that word; or, prisoner though I am, 
I'll 

COL. R. You Cur! You came to meet Kate Rawlins, your 

(Kate bursts through door throwing herself in Walt's arms, as Jack, 
dragging other soldiers with him, appears in door.) 

KATE: His wife! (All stand on picture.) 

CURTAIN. 
(Mike rings). 

SECOND PICTURE: -lack grasping Walt's hand. Col. R.— R. 
overcome. 



ACT III. 

Interior of Col. Rawlins' Virginia home. — Large French window, 
coming to floor, R. C. backed by garden with Virginia lanscape.— Rich 
curtained alcove, or "Cosy Corner," WITH CURTAINS TO SLIDE ON 
ROD. with statue of Venus (white marble, life size) seen through open 
curtains. L. 0. — Set doors L. 2. & R 3. — Table, with chair L. of it, R. C. 

30. 



opposite R. 2. WALTER discovered L. C. guarded by Bird, near win- 
dow lb ('. .Jim Brown near door R. .'». 



WALT: Poor Kate! She is crushed by her Father's anger! Come 
what may. when he knows all. he is too just, too noble to hold resentmeni 
again si his own child! (To Bird) Corporal, can 1 speak with my wife. 
Col. Rawlins 9 daughter? 

BIRD: 1 am sorry, Captain; hut the Colonel's orders are that you 
1h> held under close guard and not allowed to communicate with any one. 
Here comes the Colonel now. Brown, remove the prisoner to that room. 

WALT: Can I speak with Col. Rawlins? 

BIRD: (crosses L. Walt. R. ) 111 ask him. Sah. 1 reckon you'll 
have to wait till he's not busy. 

WALT: Very well, (exits R. 3. followed by Brown). 

COL. R. (enters at window. Bird salutes). Is Captain Rawlins 
here? 

BIRD: Xo, Sah! When you ordered his release, last night, he 
went to visit the outposts. 1 saw him after I made my escape from the 
Yankees. Lb* intended to return here and report, but he has not come 
yet, Sah. 

COL. R. (troubled) That's strange! What can have detained 
him? And your prisoner? 

BIRD: Is yonder. Sah. tinder guard. 

COL. R. Has he communicated with anyone? 

BIRD: Xo. Sah. but lie wants to speak with you. 

COL. R. There'll be time enough for that later! Tell my daughter 
I wish to speak with her. Wait within hearing of the bell, Sah. 

BIRD: (salutes) Yes, Sah. (exits with orders. L. 2.) 

COL. R. (sits L. of table). This scoundrel has' forced himself into 
my family, abused my hospitality and made my child forget her duty to 
me and to her proud race! I will show him no mercy! 

KATE (enters L. 2.) Father! 

COL. R. I am amazed that you dare address me by that name! 
You. the first woman of your race who has defied a father's command 
and brought upon the proud Rawlins' name, the shame of a clandestine 
marriage with an adventurer! 

KATE (proudly) Father, your anger makes you unjust! ('apt. 
he Boy is an honorable gentleman! When you know all. you will recall 
those words. 

COL. R. Never! Gentleman indeed! Honorable! He has abused 
my hospitality by making you, my child, forget your obedience to me. 
forget that you were a Daughter of the South, and a foe to her foes. — 
forget that you were a Rawlins of Virginia! We will see if a Southern 
prison cannot tame the ardor of this Yankee fortune-hunter! 

3 1 - 



KATE: Father! Walter i- no fortune-hunter! But for his cour- 
age and faith, the wealth, of which you boast, would be scattered to the 

winds, and you to-day. a poor man! 

COL. R. (surprised) What do you mean'.' 

KATE: I mean that this noble man has shielded your child from 
rudeness and perhaps, from insult and even worse! 1 mean that he has 
saved our old home, where we were born; — where I played., when a child; 
— where my dear mother died! It is through his protecting influence 
that we are, to-day. standing beneath its dear old roof and not among 
its smouldering ruins! 

COL. lb (astonished) Explain yourself! 

KATE: Daily the Northern lines drew nearer to the old home. 
It was the property of a Southern officer. It could have but one fate; 
it would be destroyed, the plantation laid waste, the slaves scattered and 
Heaven alone knows what might have been my fate! Walter, realizing 
my danger came out. at night, through the Federal lines and across 
a country whose every foot was fraught with danger to him — sought me 
out. showed me that my only protection was as the wife of a Federal 
officer. We were married, by our old pastor, and Walter left the altar 
to return to his lines. There, powerful influence enabled him to procure 
an order protecting his wife and her property. The Northern army came, 
but we were safe amid the devastation that surrounded us. This is the 
story, briefly told. You know the danger which surrounded us. and from 
which his brave devotion saved us. This is the gentleman whom you 
have called a fortune-hunting adventurer! 

COL. R. (thoughtfully) And you love this young soldier, Kate? 

KATE: (proudly) Better than my life! 

COL. R. Rut why did you run that fearful risk by going to the 
old mill, alone, at night, between the hostile armies? 

KATE: He came at my request. I went to save his life. 

COL. R. (surprised) His life? 

KATE: Yes. I overheard Col. Waite plan to lure him outside 
the Northern lines and assassinate him. 

• COL. R. Fortunately that danger is past. Col. Waite is dead. 

KATE: (surprised) Dead? 

COL. R. Yes. Killed by a shell, from which, in terror, he was 
vainly trying to escape. He died, as he had lived; a bully and a coward! 

KATE: (drops on knees beside him) Father! 

COL. R. (kisses her) Kate! My child! 

KATE: Then you forgive me. Father? 

COL. R. Forgive you. Honey! You are a brave, true woman. [ 
have misjudged you and (apt. Le Roy. I beg your pardon and his. 

KATE: (eagerly) And you will release him, Father? 

COL. R. (gravely) I have no authority to release a prisoner of 

32. 



war. 

KATE I in despair) What! Yon would send him to prison? 

COL. R. 1 must! — (unless he escapes! 

KATE: (clutches at idea) Escapes? 

COL. 1L (rising) Wait in the alcove, here, (leading her to it) 
and do not come out until I leave the room, (kisses her. STATUE 
SKKX. Closes curtains, returns to table, puts on hat, taps hell. Bird 
enters L. 2. salutes). Bring in your prisoner. (Bird goes to 1). K. :! 
brings in Walt. Brown following. Kate's face seen at curtains, for an 
instant, by audience only, then disappears.) 

WALT: Colonel Rawlins, 

COL. K. (sternly) Presently, Sah. Corporal, order doe to bring 
my horse. Devil, to the door, and hold him fast! If he got away, there's 
not a horse here can get within sight of him, and the Federal lines are 
only two miles up that North road. (Bird exits L. 2.) (To Brown) 
Retire. Sah. (he exits R. 3) 

WALT: Col. Rawlins, for your child's sake, I must speak 

COL. R. (kindly; raising hand) One moment, ('apt. Le Roy! I 
believed you had induced my child to disobey me and to compromise the 
honor of her family by a clandestine marriage. You can understand, 
Sah. the bitterness of a father's heart, under such circumstances. (Walt. 
starts to speak. Col. R. raises hand) Wait a little, Sah. Kate lias told 
me the whole truth, and has taught me what I owe you for your manly 
protection of my child and this dear, old home, hallowed by so many 
tender and sacred memories. With all my pride. Sah, when I find myself 
in the wrong, I am not too proud to acknowledge my error. Capt. Le Roy, 
I beg your pardon, Sah; and. more than that; 1 thank you from the depths 
of my heart, Sah! (Grasps Walt's hand). 

WALT: (shakes hands warmly). Von owe me no thanks, Col. 
Rawlins. I did no more than any true man would do for the sake of 
the lady he loved and honored. 

COL. R. I know my duty. Sah! I owe an apology to the chivalrous 
gentleman I have misjudged, and my gratitude to the benefactor wdio 
has protected my child and my home. I regret that, as a Confederate 
officer I am compelled to hold yon as a prisoner of war. — unless you are 
fortunate enough to escape, Sah! I shall, therefore, not put you on your 
honor not to TRY to escape, should an opportunity present itself. So 
you will not find yourself held by a cartel, which, as an officer and a 
gentleman, 1 know yon would respect. 

WALT: 1 would gladly give my word to 

COL. R. (stopping him). And I should refuse to allow it. Sah! Yon 
were caught, within our lines; not in the capacity of a Federal officer, 
but as a private individual, seeking an interview with your wife. Sah. 
You have no right to throw away your chance of liberty, Sah! 

33- 



WALT: (smiles) Thank you, Colonel! 

COL. R. Excuse me, Sah, a moment! (goes to table). 

\> ALT: ( 'ertainly ( 'olonel. 

COL. R. (rings bell, Brown enters R. 3. salutes). I wish you, 
Sah. to learn what has become of ('apt. -lack Rawlins. It may he neces- 
sary for you to enter the Northern lines; but I know your courage and 
\ our devotion to him, and that you would gladly accept this dangerous 
mission for his sake. 

BROWN (earnestly) Yes, Colonel! I would go through any- 
thing for (apt. Jack ! 

COL. R. (kindly) 1 know it Brown! The countersign is "Stone- 
wall Jackson." Make haste. 

BROWN: (salutes) Yes. Colonel, (going R. 3.) 

COL. R. Take the West road. (Brown salutes & exits R. :]. Col. 
K. turns, starts). Oh, I forgot that you were there, Sah. Did you hear 
me give that man the countersign ? 

WALT: Yes, Sir. 

COL. R. (dryly) Mighty stupid of me to speak it in the hearing 
of the enemy. I reekon. 

WALT: Have no fear. Colonel! Were I free. I should not make 
use of a secret learned under your roof. 

COL. R, Hum! — Well! — That is, — I mean, not tell it for anyone 
to use to ENTER our lines. 

WALT: Certainly, not. Colonel. 

COL. R. (removes coat and lays it on chair) It's mighty warm. 
Excuse me. Sah. for removing my coat! (looks at Walt.) and hat, Sah! 
(N. B. WALT. HAS XO HAT.) 

WALT: (laughs) Why. Colonel! You are treating me more as 
a guest than a prisoner. 

COL. R. (dryly). You are both, Sah. — in a way; you came here 
AT MY INVITATION. (Both smile) 

WALT: (dryly) Yes. I believe 1 did! 

COL. R. (looks out of window L. C.) 1 hope that lazy, old, black 
scoundrel. Joe, won't go to sleep and let my horse get away. You see. 
Sah. he's a Kentucky racer. — the best from the Blue (bass region; and 
if, anyone should take a notion to ride him off', there's not a piece of 
horse-flesh in the army that could over-take him! (crosses L.) Will you 
excuse me. Sah'.' 

WALT: Certainly. Col. Rawlins; but. before you go, I want to 
thank you. in behalf of Kate and myself, for your foregiveness 

COL. R. You owe me nothing, Sah. (Shakes hands) Goodbye, my 
boy! That is. 1 mean Good Morning! You will kindly report to vour 
guard, in here. Sah. (Motions to alcove and crosses L. 2. Walt bows 
and opens curtains, facing statue). 

34- 



KATE: Walter! (Col. 1!. pretends not to hear and exits, with 
smile, L. 2. Kate out). 

WALT: Kate! My wife! (they embrace) 

KATE: (hurriedly) Quick, Walter! You have not a moment to 
lose! You must escape while the coast is clear! 

WALT: Escape? But Col. Rawlins 

KATE: Yon dear old stupid! Don't yon understand? He cannot 
release yon. but he would not put yon on your, honor not to escape; told 
yon where the Federal lines were; ordered his horse there and left his 
coat and hat for yon. and let yon learn the countersign. Don't yon see 
it is his wish ? 

WALT: Yes. Good-bye, Darling! (kisses her). 

KATE: Snatch the reins from doe and be off! (he rushes out 
at window. Kate following) 

JOE: (outside). Here! Hole on dar! Dat's (silence. Horses 

hoofs heard dying away in distance). 

KATE: (appears, dragging doe in at window, hand on his mouth), 
doc! Shut up! Keep still! 

JOE: (loud) But de man done stole Mars' Rawlins' hawse — ■ — 

KATE: Silence, Joe! 
dv,i<; : But Mars' Bob's hawse 

KATE: Be still, I tell you! 

JOE: But dat hawse - 

KATE: doe! 

JOE: But, Missee Kate! De hawse 

• KATE: (puts hand on his mouth, threatens him. Joe points off 
through window. Col. R. enters L. 2.) 

COL. R. doe you black rascal! What's all this fuss about? 

JOE: (breaks away from Kate and drops on knees to Col. E.) 
Oh, Mais' Rawlins! Mars' Rawlins! I was standin' dar. a holdin' Deb- 
bie, an' a pow'ful big man, morn ten feet high, done grab de reins outen 
my hands and done gib me a shove ober de grass and , 

COL. R. Why, you lazy nigger, you dreamed that. I reckon. You 
went to sice]) and let Devil get away. 

JOE: Deed I didn't. Mars' Rawlins! Cross my heart! Cross my 
breaf free times! I done see de man. He look jes like Mars' Le Roy, 
'ceptin' he 'bout fouh times as big, an' he done weah de Confedyut unicorn. 

COL. R. (aside) Escaped, eh'.' I aloud, dryly) You have let a 
prisoner escape, doe. You'd better not say anything about it. or the 
Confederates will hang you. 

JOE: (frightened) Eoli de Lawd! Mars' Rawlins, I'll nebber say 
a word. Sah ! Good Lawd! Hang a niggah! (exits L. 2.) (Col. R. -it-. 
laughing to himself). 

KATE: (throws arms around hinn Father! You're so good! 

35- 



COL. \{. (blustering) Good? Hum])! Why? Because your pel 

Yankee stole my horse, I reckon! 

KATE: Father! 

COL. R. (puts his arm around her and kisses her). Kate! My 
bonnie Kate! (enter Brown, through window. Salutes) Well Brown, 
what news.' 

BROWN: ! couldn't find ('apt. -Jack, or hear a word about him, 
Sail; so I slipped into the Yankee lines and found out that he had been 
surprised and captured, last night, Sah. 

COL. R. & KATE: What! 

KATE: Brother -lack captured? 

COL. R. Could you find out where he is? 

BROWN: Xo Sah,— not yet. L slipped back to tell you; but I'm 
goin' back, as soon as it's dark, and I'll find him or never come back 
alive! He saved my life, in battle. Colonel; and I'm not the man to for- 
get it! 

KATE: Poor Jack! 

COL. R. Xever fear. Honey! Lie's in no danger. He will be hon- 
orably treated as a prisoner of war. 

BROWN: (takes out letter). Here is a letter for you, Colonel. 
I got it from an old darkey who was asking for you, Sah. 

KATE: (eagerly) It may be something- about Jack! 

COL. R. (opens it and reads) "Col. Rawlins. Your nephew, Lieut. 
Frank Rawlins, has been captured by the Federals, and is held, under a 
light guard, at Locust Grove. A Nameless Friend." — What! Frank too'.'' 
Perhaps they have sent Jack there, also, (to Brown) Find out, if possi- 
ble, where Jack is; and 1 will be ready to start, with a scouting party, 
as soon as I get your report. We may be able to rescue them yet. 

BROWX: Yes, Sah. I'll start at once and creep across the lines 
as soon as I see an opening, (exits R. 3.) 

KATE: (with emotion). Jack a prisoner! What can be done? 

COL. R. (going with her L. 2.) Courage, dear! We can do noth- 
ing, 1 reckon, till Brown gets back. We must be patient. Honey! We 
must wait and be patient, (exeunt L. 2.) 

LENA: (enters, at window, half laughing, half crying; rubs her- 
self as if hurt). Oh, my gracious, dot vas shoost awful! 1 did tried 
to petted dot old ram-sheep, und he bunted me also! Oh, I vas sorry all 
ofer myself in spots! Und I haf got de ache-head! (Bird enters at 

window) Wie gates. Meester Oh, oxscoose me! I forgot to reccol- 

member vat vas your name vonce already. 

BIRD: (points through window) What's that, out there, in tin* 
tree ? 

LENA: Oh! Dot iss a fogle! Yah! I know! Meester Fogie! 

BIRD: Xo! That's a bird! 

36. 



LENA: Aber it iss fogle in Sherman. 

BIRD: Well, I aint IN GERMAN! My name's Bird! (Lena rubs 
herself.) What's the matter? Cot the rheumatiz? 

LENA: Oh, dot pad sheeps! He bumped me mit his head! Aber, 
ven I got ober de fence oud, I telled him vat I tink pout dot peesness. 
Aber he runned on do onder side, py de fence up und down; und, putty 
kweek, he step py a pumple-pee family on top; und, py gracious! You 
ought to did saw vat he vas diddirig vonce! He runned und he shumped 
up und he rolled ober und he holler: "Pad! Pad!" Und dem pumple- 
pees dey pited (bited) him some more, und he failed ober de pank inside 
of de vater also. Und ven he coined oud, he vas so shamed mit himself 
as never vas! 

BIRD: (laughing) Ha, ha, ha! That was funny! 

LENA: (laughs) You vould hurted your own self mit laughing, 
off you did sawed dot sheeps, Meester Fogle. 

BIRD: See here! My Name's Bird! And don't you forget it, 
'Dutchy!' (exits R. 3.) 

LENA: (very angry) Oh, du lumpay! du stuntay! Du bist 
ferrick! He did called me 'Dutchy!' Oh, py gracious! Dot makes me 
awful mad ;once! 

MIKE: (blackened up, enters cautiously, through window. Sees 
Lena). It's Lena! Oh, Lena, me darlint! (tries to embrace her). 

LENA: (dodges, fighting him off) Oo vay, you pad, black nigger- 
man! Oo vay! Got oud! 

MIKE: Don't yez know me, swate-heart? 

LENA: (angry) I vas not your sweet-heart, you nasty plack 
pig! Oh, dot makes me awful mat ein onder time! I vill bitted you! 
(Slaps him. He runs around, dodging her, toward D. L. 2.) Took dot! 
Und dot, und smoke dot in your pipe! Du Lumpay! (chasing and hit- 
ting him, he runs into Joe, who enters L. 2. Hits him in stomach and 
doubles him up, and dodges behind him. Lena hitting Joe.) 

JOE : Foh de Lawd ! Missee Lena ! Missee Lena ! What fob you 
wallup ole Joe? I aint done nuffin, Missee Lena! 

LENA: Oh, my gracious, Onkle Yoe! Was dot you vat I hitted? 

JOE: (rubs himself) Yes, it was me! (sees Mike) See hyre, 
yoh mis'able, low-down niggah ! What you mean a bumpin inter a house 
sarvant ? You ig'nant. unedificated field hands doan know nuffin! Wha's 
yoh politeness to yoh bettahs? Wha's yoh mannahs? 

MIKE: (scared at Joe's noise) Whist! Begorrah! doe! Aisy 
thin! Kape still, ye omadahn! 

JOE: (recognizes him) Fob de Lawd! It's Mars' Mulhaly! 

LENA: Vat! Iss dot Mikey? Oh, Mikey ! mein lieberschatz! 
(hugs and kisses him. (Jet's black on her face). Vas dot you vat I did 
schlapt ? 



MIKE: Yes, and I'm sorry it was! 

LENA: Veil, dot's all right now vonce. Dis iss you, Mikey, vat 
1 did hug! 

MIKE: Yes, and I'm glad it is! 

LENA: Oh, Mikey! So vas 1 already vonce! 

MIKE: Wow! 1 thought I heard a noise! Look and see if there's 
anybody round. (Lena runs out of window. Joe out of L. 2.) Oh, bedad! 
I must have some place to hide if any av the Jonnies come! (opens cur- 
tains. Sees statue. Closes curtains and puts hands over face.) Wow! 
Begorrah! I beg your pardon, Ma'am! I didn't know yez was there! 
(pause) \.ow! But aint she a beauty! (pause) Oh, begob! Ther'd 
have been the divil to pay if Lena had caught me, thin, talkim to the 
lady there! She never said a word! (starts to peep. Lena re-enters at 
window). 

LENA: (when she starts to speak, Mike jumps away from cur- 
tains) Dere don't vas anypody round. 

MIKE: Lena darlint, kape watch out there and whistle if yez 
sec anyone coining. 

LENA: (going) I don't can vistled aber I can hollert! 

MIKE: All right, Lena, that will do; but kape watch. 

LENA: Dot iss all right, Mikey. T vill look putty goot oud vonce. 
(exits at window) 

JOE: (enters L. 2) Dar aint nobody dar, Sah. Foh de Lawd, 
Mars' Mulhaly, what you-all doin' heyah? 

MIKE: Sure, Joe, I want to find Capt. Walter. 

JOE: Lawd, man, he done gwine 'way! 

MIKE: Gone! To prison? 

JOE: No, Sah. He done 'scaped to dem Yankees. 

MIKE: Escaped? I must find him quick! 

JOE: No Sah. Mars' Mulhaly! Dey'll kotch yoh an' hang you 
shore! You-all bettah hide down 'mong de cullud folks quahtahs twell 
dawk. 

MIKE: Divil a bit, Joe! Thim Rebels will think I'm a nager!, 

JOE: (laughs) Yah, yah! You-all doan' talk like cullud folks. 
I done know yoh by yoh talk, Mars' Mulhaly. Dey done spect 'mejitlv. 
dat you-all's Irish. 

MIKE: Divil fly away wid me brogue! Sure, thin, I'll have to 
l>e deaf and dumb! I'll have to make signs, bedad! Wow! There's 
somebody coming where'll I hide? 

JOE: (hustles him toward alcove) In heyre! 

MIKE: No! There's a lady in there takin' a bath! (rushes 
toward L. 2. Joe falls, Mike meets Col. R. entering L. Retires R. Joe 
skips out of the window.) 

COL. R. Who are you and what are you doing here? (Mike sticks 

38. 



out his tongue and makes signs that he is deaf and dumb) (Col. R. 
shakes him.) What do yon mean, yon black rascal? You're up to some 
devilment, I reckon. 

MIKE: Ouch! Quit, yer Honor! Don't yez see 1 can't spake a 
word': Begorrah, I'm deaf and dumb entirely. 

COL. R. Yes. 1 see yon are, yon Irish spy ! 

MIKE: Bedad I'm a nager! Snre what made yez think T was 
Irish? 

COL. R. Why, your brogue! Yon can cut it with a knife. 

MIKE: (aside) Divil take me brogue! (aloud) Snre I'm a 
nager, but me father and mother was Irish. 

COL. R. (laughs) Oh! I see. (touches bell. Guard enters.) 
Arrest this man. He's a spy. 

MIKE: I'm not a spy. Sor. I came here to find me Captain. 

COL. R. Who is he? 

MIKE: Captain Walter Le Roy, Sor. 

COL. R. He has gone. What did yon want with him? 

MIKE: Don't yez know me, Mr. Rawlins? I'm Mike Mnlhaly. I 
wanted to help him escape and git back in time to save your son. Mr. 
-lack. 

COL. R. (alarmed) Save Jack? Speak quick! What do yon 
mean ? 

MIKE: Sine they captured him last night, and some thafe sint 
t h i m word that Mr. Jack's resignation had never been accepted, at Wash- 
ington : and that made him a deserter from the Union army, and they'll 
shoot him at sun set, unless Capt. Walter can save him. (Kate enters 
L. 2.) 

COL. R. (in agony) What! Shoot Jack! My boy! My boy! 
(Kate runs to him). 

KATE: Father! What is this? Tell me! 

COL. R. (clasps her to his breast) My poor girl! 

KATE: (wildly) Father! For mercy sake, tell me! What is 
it about Jack? 

COL. R. My poor Kate! How can I tell her! 

KATE: Tell me! Is — is Jack in danger? 

COL. R. Y^es! 

KATE: Oh. Father! What is it? 

COL. R. He is held as a deserter from the United States Army, 
and sentenced to be shot at sun-set! 

KATE: (sinks in chair. Buries her face on table). Oh, my poor 
brother Jack! My darling brother! God help you! God help you! 
(sobs) 

COL. R. (to guard). Conduct this man, in safety, through our 
lines. (Alike and guard up to window). 

39- 



KATE (runs up, seizing Mike's hand). Tell .lack his sister is 
praying for him ! 

MIKE (with feeling) I will, Miss Kate, if they kill me for it! 
(exit with guard through window. She sinks on knees by window.) 

KATE: Oh, -lack, my brother! God help you and pity us! Poor 
hoy! 1*001- hoy! (She weeps). 

COL. R. (raises her tenderly) .My child! My Kate! Your 

brother is a soldier and a brave man. He has laid his life upon the altar 
of our sacred cause; and, if Heaven demands this sacrifice, let us bear 
it bravely and calmly. 

KATE: (starting up) Calm! What! When the setting of that 
sun means the death of my darling brother, our good, brave, noble Jack'.'' 
Oh. I see it all! The row of gleaming muskets, poor Jack, standing 
there, before them, — One last whispered prayer to Heaven; your name 
and mine and our dead mother's on his lips, then the fatal word, the 
deadly volley and my poor brother weltering in his blood! (Falls on 
knees, sobbing on table). 

COL. R. (sinks in chair) Oh, God! Have mercy on my children! 
My poor brave boy! — My sweet Kate! 

KATE: My brother! My brother! 

COL. R. Kate, my darling child! 

KATE: (buries face in Father's breast). Father! 

COL. R. Honey, when your dear mother died, I drew my two 
little motherless children closer to my aching heart, and bound the cords 
of love closer about us. We had learned life's saddest lesson; that across 
the love-guarded threshold of that holiest temple, Home, the Death- 
shadow could fall! 

KATE : FATHER ! 

COL. R. Today, darling, we must draw closer still, for we are 
all alone! Alone! (horse heard in distance). 

KATE: Oh, Jack, would I could give my life for you! 

COL. R. Hark! What is that? (horse stops and Jack enters at 
window, with Brown; soldiers following). 

BOTH: Jack! 

KATE: (rushes to him). Thank Ood! Thank God! 

COL. R. (grasping his hand). Jack! Alive! 

JACK: Easy! Poor Brown, he's wounded! 

COL. R. Brown? 

JACK: (lowers him on his knee). Yes. Get the surgeon, (soldier 
exits) He learned where I was, slipped into the tent, grasped my hand, 
told me to be ready to run, and, before I could ask his plan, dashed out, 
past the guard, gave the Rebel yell and started for our lines. The guard 
started after him. I sprang to the door of the tent. There was the 
rattle of 'muskets and 1 saw him stagger and fall. At that instant, 

40. 



Walter dashed up on Devil, sprang to the ground, and, in the contusion, 
swung me to the saddle. In a flash, I was away, past the guards! L 
dragged poor Jim up in front of me, and we off, the minie balls cutting 
the leaves around us, and here we are. (To Brown) Jim! Look up, 
old comrade! You'll soon he all right! 

BROWN: Yes, C'ap'n, it won't be long now, 1 reckon. 

JaCK (alarmed) What do you mean, Jim? 

BROWN: A fellah that's tried to do his duty to God and man, 
when the end comes, he'll be mighty nigh all right! 

JACK: (eagerly). No! Jim, old man! You shan't die! 

BROWX: 'Taint no use, Cap'n. It's all right, though; fur it brung 
you through! 

JACK: (wildly) My God, Jim! You must not give your life 
for me! 

BROWN: (smiles) Jack, you'd ha' given yours for me that day 
you dragged me from under the horses' feet and cut your way through 
the yanks, to our lines! I swore I'd pay you back, Jack, and I have! 

COL. R. (deeply moved) Don't give up. Courage Jim! 

BROWN: Oh, I aint skeered, Sah, or I wouldn't be a soldier, if 
I was a feared to die. 

KATE: (at his head) Oh, you must not, — shall not die! We 
must save him! 

BROWN: (smiles) Thank ye, Miss; 'Taint no use, though, I'm 
going fast. Keep nigh me, Miss; Wimmen's a 'most like angels when a 
fellah's dying'. You'll tell my poor old mother, won't ye? 

KATE: Yes, Jim! I will! I will! 

BROWN: Break it kind o' gentle to her, though; and tell her I 
died like a soldier and a man! 

•JACK: (Weeping) Poor Jim. 

BROWN: Gimme yer hand, Jack! (bus) Cod Bless ye. Jack! 
L— Ah! (dies). 

KATE (kisses his forehead). For his old mother's sake! Oh, 
God!. Deal gently with him! Like the dear Christ, he died, that those 
he loved might live! (picture and Curtain). MIKE RINGS. 

SECOND PICTURE: Kate on knees, covering him with Confeder- 
ate flaa - . 



ACT IV. 
Scene 1. Wild mountain scene in 4. Early morning. Simms as 
a federal ( apt. Talking to Corporal. C. several soldiers R. at back. 



SIMMS: I have positive information that two Rebel officers in- 
tend entering our lines, near this place, probably in disguise. Have the 
men scatter and remain concealed and be prepared to close in on anyone 

4i. 



who looks suspicious, but without alarming them. They arc dangerous 
spies and musi be captured. 

CORP. (salutes) Yes, Sir. Come men! (they exit B. U. E.) 

SIMMS: That decoy letter is sure to bring them both into my 
hands,! How the Devi] -lack Rawlins ever escaped being shot as a deserter 
I cannot see. I scut them word that his resignation had not been ac- 
cepted. Where did he get that horse? My plan was well laid, but it 
failed. But this one cannot fail! I'll get them both and finish them 
this time myself! Ha. ha. ha! (Exits R. 1.) 

(Col. R. & .lack with large drovers coats, enter cautiously, L. U. E.) 

COL. R. Well, it's mighty strange, the letter said at Locust Grove. 
Can it be a trap? 

JACK: 1 hardly think so. Poor Frank is missing, and I fear he 
has teen captured. The letter was certainly from someone who knew 
Frank and his relation to us. Besides, -what object would anyone have 
in laying such a scoundrelly trap for us in particular? 

COL. R. Still, there are no prisoners held at Locust Grove, and 
there have been 'none there, as there would be traces of their camp, and 
here are none. That letter lied. It looks suspicious, Jack. 

JACK: That's so. But such a villainous trick would show that 
we had a bitter personal enemy in the federal ranks, which is not so. 
Besides the prisoners may have been removed from Locust Grove. 

COL. Pv. In that case there would have been traces of their stay 
there, and there are none. 

JACK: Yes. That's what puzzles me. (Looks R. U. ) Hello! 
(Corj). enters R. V.) 

COL. R. (imitating manner of mountaineer) How r dy, Stranger! 
Hev you-all seed any stray mew-els in this neck o' timber? We-uns hes 
lost three mew-els — a ole gray cuss, lop-eared in the nigh ear, an' two 
black 'uns one of 'em 'ith his off hind hoof hurt an* his tail cut off. 

CORP- (sizing them up. Aside) They can't be the men. (Aloud) 
Xo, I aint seen 'em. Where you fellers from ? 

COL. R. Wal, Stranger, we live over thar, on Hickory Run, yander. 
'Bout foah mile b'low whar that saw-mill was that you-uns burned down. 
Say. Stranger, hev you-all got any chawing terbacker? 

CORP. (gives plug) Here ye are. 

COL. R. (cuts off bite) "Bleeged ter ye. Stranger! (to Jack) 
have a chaw. Bill? (Jack shakes his head. Col. gives back plug.) 
Much 'Bleeged! 

CORP. That's all right, (aside, crossing L. 1.) They're not our 
men. They're jes' Moon-shiners, I believe. 

COL. R. (crosses R. C. with Jack). See hoe. Stranger, I'll give 
you-uns a dollar a head, — Wal, I don't mind makin' it a dollar an' two 
levvy, ef you-alFll take it out in 'taters, ef you-all find them mew-els 

42. 



fur me. I low they aint wuth sich a pow'ful sight mown that. 

CORP: (laughs) All right, Daddy. I'll keep my eye peeled fur 
"Them mew-els"! Ha, ha, ha! (exits L. 1.) 

JACK: By Jove! That was a close call! Why. Father, you're 
m wonder! 

COL. R. That's nothing, .lack. I reckon I know these mountain- 
eers better than they know themselves. But come! We must get back 
inside of our lines. (Start R. enter Simms & Soldiers R. 3.) 

SIMMS: Halt! Who are you fellows? 
Wal. ye see, Stranger, 



vonr 



COL. R. 

JACK: 
SIMMS: 

hands! 

COL. R. 

SIMMS: 
did you? 

COL. R. 

SIMMS: 

COL. R. 

SIMMS: 
of our lines. 

COL. R. 
Army, Sah ? 

SIMMS: 

COL. R. 



(sees Simms' face) Frank! 
Ha! We have them, men! 



levels pistol) Throw up 



Frank Rawlins ! 

At your service! So! You walked right into the trap, 

What! That letter 

(laughing) Was from me! 
What does this mean, Sah ? 
It means that you have been captured, in disguise, inside 

YOUR lines? Frank Rawlins, have you joined the Federal 



T most certainly have, Uncle. 

in rage) You scoundrel! You are not only a traitor to 
the cause to which you have sworn allegience, but you treacherously try 
to trap your own family, who, through their affection for you, when they 
are risking their lives to rescue you! 

SIMMS: Enough of this! You are my prisoners. 

JACK: You dog! (reaches for pistol; Simms fires. Jack staggers 
to knees. Col. R. grabs him up and backs with drawn revolver) 

COL. R. Throw up your hands. (Simms and soldiers obey. Corp. 
has re-entered behind him. Knocks his hand down and grabs arms. 
Soldiers spring on him and disarm him, and Jack.) 

SIMMS: Ha, ha, ha! Well done, men! Now, you old Devil! 
We've got you! You are spies, and you know what to expect! 

JACK: (staggers up). You lie! We came to rescue you, you 
traitor! 

SIMMS: Ha, ha, ha! That was a clever trick! Xow, you infer- 
nal Rebels, you can say your prayers as we march: for I swear you have 
not an hour to live! Bind them, men! 

COL. R. (bursting from guards, knocks Simms down). You cur! 

(Bending over Simms. Soldiers holding him and Jack PICTURE. 

Close in) 



_n. 



A. 4. SCENE 2. Front scene in woods. Mike & Lena enter from 
Et. 1. Lena lias sun-bonnet pushed back on neck. — 

MIKE: And so, Lena darlint, yez came all the way to see me. did 
yez '! 

LENA: (R. of him) Yah, Mikey. I liaf sometings goot to tole 
yon. mein lieberschatz ! 

.MIKE: Oh, Lena, acushla!- You're the jewel of the World! (kisses 
her. She pushes him away.) 

LENTA: Oh, my gracious, Mikey! Put avay your mout' already 
vonce! Oh, Mikey your whitskers scratch! (feels his chin) Oh, dot iss 
voiser dan de finger nails o: a kitten-katz! 

MIKE: Oh, .Swate-heart! (starts to embrace her). 

LENA: Go vay vonce! My mout' iss so red like ven I eaded oud 
oti* de mule-berry tree! (He grabs her). Aber, off you must kiss me, 
Mikey, kiss me my fingers between, (kiss through fingers.) Much 
opliged! 

MIKE: Don't mention it! 

LENA: Oh, Mikey! 1 haf de almost whole vay runned to tole 
you. 1 haf such goot news from de Eader-land got also vonce. 

MIKE: What is is, . Darlin'? (PLAY THIS FOR NATURAL 
PATHOS. NOT COMEDY) 

LENA: Mikey, ven I mit mein pap und mama coined on de sea- 
ocean oud und rode on de big sheep. 

MIKE: Rode on a big sheep? 

LEXA: No! Not on a ram -sheep aber a steam sheep! " 

MIKE: Oh! the ship. 

LENA: Yah, de sheep! Yell, my Fader he go died, und dey pury 
(bury) him in de ocean between, und Mama und me, ve cry all de time! 

MIKE: Poor little Lena! 

LENA: End ven ve to America corned, my poor Mama she don't 
schmiled any more und she get so seek, und she get veaker und veaker, 
und den some vicked feller stealed all de money, und ve haf notting to 
pay mit a doctor, und notting to eat! 

MIKE: Oh, the thafe! The black-guard! 

LENA: Und Miss Kat-rine she find us und she tooked such goot 
care off my poor Mama ! 

MIKE: Sure, she's an angel! 

LENA: Den my Mamma gif Miss Kat-rine some papers, und she 
go died too! (Lena cries). 

MIKE (almost crying) There, don't cry, me poor little Lena! 

Don't cry ! 

LENA (dried her eyes) Oh, I could not help it vonce. De tears 
vill sometimes demselfs come. Yell, Miss Kat-rine tooked me home und 
vas so kind mit me, und she writed von letter met de Kaiser oud, und 

44. 



she send de bapers vat my poor Mamma haf gif to her. unci den ve vait 
und vait, und now she haf anonder letter from de Kaiser pack got, und 
some bapers mit pig stamps on mit, und dey vas all in Deutsch, und dey 
telle'd dot I vas Baroness Lena Von Schmatzen wicks ! 

MIKE: How ly Smoke! Little Lena a Baroness! 

LENA: Yah. dot's vat it iss. 

MIKE: (sadly) Thin it's all up wid me, I suppose! Ye'll drop 
me like a monkey will a hot potato! 

LENA shyly) Whisper mit your ear out vonce. 

MIKE (puts down ear) What is it, darlin'? 

LENA (in his ear): I loaf you! 

MIKE: Lena! (starts to kiss her.) 

LENA: (turns down top of head quick): Dem vitskers! (he 
kisses her on top of head). 

MIKE: Oh, Lena! And yez will marry me anyway? 

LENA: Yah, Mikey dear, shust de same. Den you vill been von 
Baron! 

MIKE: Wow! I niver thought o' that! I'll be Baron Mike Von 
Mulhaly Schmatzenwicks! Oh, bedad! I'll never be able to say me 
whole name in the one day! I'll have to wear it on a card, on me back, 
like a sandwich man! 

LEXA : (laughs) Yah! Dot vould peen funny! 

MIKE (puzzled) Begorrah, Lena, I'm an Irish try, and an Ameri- 
can soldier and a German Baron! What the Divil am I anyway? 

LEXA: You peen my huspand, Mikey. 

MIKE: Wow! (grabs edges of sun-bonnet & kisses her, both 
heads hid in bonnet). 

LEXA: (in bonnet, kicking Mike's shins) Oh, dem vitskers! dem 
vitskers! (Union Soldier enters L. 1.) 

SOLDIER: Hello! (Mike turns quick, Lena hides behind him. 
peeps under his arm). 

MIKE: tlello yerself! 

SOLDIER (laughing) So, you've captured- a prisoner too! 

MIKE: What's that to yez? Ye omadahn! 

SOLDIER: Well, we've just caught two of 'em; two Rebel spies, 
in disguise. One of 'em is that dare-devil raider. Col. Bob Rawlins.. 

MIKE: (aghast) What! 

SOLDIER: Yes, and the other is his son! 

MIKE: Oh, ye Divils! 

SOLDIER: (crossing R. Mike & Lena turn). Yes. It's a great 
catch. They'll be shot as spies, (exit R. 1.) 

MIKE: Oh. Murther and 'Onus! The Colonel and Mr. Jack to be 
shot as spies! Wow! What's to be done now? 

LEXA: Oh, dot iss awful! 

45- 



MIKE: Quick, Lena! Tell .Miss Kate! 

LENA: (goes L.) Yah! I \ ill all de vay run! (exit L. 1.) 

MIKE: Wow! What'll I do? We must hustle like a cow's tail 
in fly time! (Walt, enters 11. I.) Oh. Capt. Walter! I'm that glad 
I've found yez 

WALT: And I'm glad I've found you, Mike. Here! (gives large 
envelope) 

MIKE: What's this. Captain? 

WALT: Ah, Mike! Honors will come to the brave! It*s your 
commission as Captain. 

MIKE: Oh, the Saints bless ye, Capt. Walter! Sure, it's some 
of your Join's! Oh, but, begorrah! There's no time to think o' me now! 
Col. Rawlins and Mr. Jack are captured, and they're goin 5 to shoot 'em 
as spies! 

WALT: What! 

MIKE: Oh, sure, it's the bad truth! What can we do to save 'em? 

WALT: (turns R.) I'm off to Head-quarters. Quick! Go to 
ti'.em. Mike! Prevent that execution till I get there! 

MIKE: (crossing L.) How? 

WALT: Any way! I care not how! But prevent it! (exit R. 1.) 

MIKE: I will! (quick exit L. 1.) 

CHANGE OF SCENE. 



SCENE 3. Landscape, with distant camp, 1 mile away. Jack and 
Col. R. on L. C. as prisoners, with guard R. of them, and above them. 
Simms C. and soldiers at rest down R. — 



SIMMS: You two, disguised as non-combatants, have been cap- 
tured within our lines. By the laws of war, you are spies and can expect 
no mercy. 

COL. R. (proudly) We ask none, Sah ! of a renegade, who could 
disgrace the proud name of his father by being a traitor to his race and 
cause. 

SIMMS: I regret that my duty as a soldier compels me to 
become your executioner, Uncle Robert. 

COL. R. Dare you, Sah, address me by that title? You are a 
stranger to me, Sah! 

SIMMS: What! 

COL. R. You have disgraced the uniform of the South and betrayed 
her righteous cause with a Judas kiss! You have shamed the proud and 
stainless name of Rawlins and your birth as a Southern gentleman! 
Thank God my brother did not live to see his son's infamy! 

SIMMS: Have a care! Your lives are in my hands! 

COL. R. So was our family's honor! How have you kept that 

4 6. 



trust? 

-JACK: Can you be be Frank Rawlins? Father, do not waste 
words on this degenerate whelp! (to Simms) What do you intend 
to do? 

SIMMS: (in rage) To shoot you like dogs, you sneaking spies! 

COL. R. Who made you our judge? I demand our rights as 
soldiers, to a fair trial. 

SIMMS: A spy has no rights. You die! 

KATE: (runs on L. 1. and into Col's arms) Father! .Jack! 

BOTH: Kate! 

COL. R. My God! My child! Why are you here? 

KATE: Why? Oh. Father! Brother Jack! To save you, if I 
can! (Turns to Simms) Oh, Sah, — (sees his face) Frank! 

SIMMS: At your service, Cousin Kate. 

KATE: (amazed) Frank! In that uniform! You, who swore 
faith to our holy cause! You? 

SIMMS: I have borne too many insults on that score already, 
Cousin Kate. Your taunts are but poor pleas for mercy. 

COL. R. You scoundrel! We scorn your mercy! We demand 
justice and our right of trial. 

KATE: Oh, Frank! For my sake, spare them! Think! We 
played together as children beneath his roof! where you, a little orphan 
boy, were treated by him as his own! He has always been as a father 
to you; and uack as your own brother! You cannot do this awful thing! 

SIMMS: (low to her, so that soldiers cannot bear): Kate, on 
one condition I will spare them. 

KATE: What? 

SIMMS: Your hand! 

COL. R. (swings Kate to his breast). Xo, traitor! She is the 
wife of a gentleman and a soldier! But. were she free, I would see her 
dead at my feet rather than your wife! 

SIMMS: As you please, (writes) 

KATE: Oh. Clod in Heaven! Is there no hope? 

COL. R. Yes, Kate! The hope that we may die like men. un- 
shamed by a traitor's mercy! (Mike enters L. V.) 

SIMMS: (to guard) Take that woman and this note to head- 
quarters, and 

JACK (snatches note and looks at it) I knew it! You are not 
Frank Rawlins! 

COL. R. and KATE: What? 

JACK: Xo! This is not Frank's writing! He is an impostor! 

COL. R. Thank Ood! (guard seizes Kate. She puts him away. 
Col. R. and Jack make move as if to resent it. Guard takes hands off 
of her). 

47- 



SIMMS: Attention! Ready! (Kate screams, bursts by guard 
and throws herself before them? Mike to ('. Men lower nuns.) 

COL. K. Kate!' For God's sake 

SIMMS: Ye fools! Never mind her! Ready! (Col. 11. and -lack 
push her to Guard). 

MIKE: Hold, ye black -guard! (knocks Simms down). 

SIMMS: (gets up, in rage, guard holding Kate, his gun R. of 
him.) Arrest him! He has struck a superior officer! 

MIKE: Ye lie. ye thafe! I'm yer aqual! Here's me Captain's 
commission! (Pause. — Grabs up guard's gun and levels at Simms). 
When they fire, I five! (pause). (Guard drops Kate and pins Mike's 
arms from behind. Mike drops gun. Kate springs to Col.) 

SIMMS: Fool! I'll attend to you later! Ready! (Kate screams, 
Walter runs on R. 1. and stands between them) 

WALT: Hold, I command you in the name of the General! 

SIMMS: What do you mean? 

WALT: (with paper): A reprieve! (turns). Frank Rawlins! 

FRANK: (followed by Marah, enter:; L. U. E.) Here! 

SIMMS: (staggers back.) Alive! 

WALT. COL. R. & KATE: Frank! 

FRANK: At your service! (with Kate, Col. & Jack). 

WALT: Who is lie, then? 

MARAH: (C) : Who? The Fiend who stole away my poor child's 
heart! That dragged her down to shame and death! John Simms! 

ALL: John Simms? 

WALT: & MIKE (looking at each other): The bounty jumper! 

SIMMS: You damned hag! — (tries to shoot her; Alike knock- 
pistol from his hand). 

MIKE: No yez don't. Misther Simms! 

WALT: Arrest him! 

MARAH: (springs at Simms.) No! (stabs him. he staggers to 
feet and falls. She sets foot on him). Ha, ha. ha! At last! At last! 

WALT: Marah! Woman! AVhat have you done? 

MARAH: (wildly) I have killed him! Ha, ha, ha! Days, 
months, years, I have tracked him over the mountains, through the 
forests, through the swamps, silent as a shadow, unresting as fate: for I 
had sworn to kill him who had killed my child! 

KATE: (by her father). Oh, it is terrible! 

MARAH: (crosses R. 1.) Hark! Do ye not hear her calling? I'm 
coming, Margery, I'm coming, my child! My poor little Margery! You 
can sleep now. Honey! He's dead! Dead! Dead! Ha, ha. ha! (exit 
R. 1.) 

WALT: Take him away, men. (They start to pick him up. 
Shouts out R. 1 Lena runs on R. U.) 

4 8. 



LENA: De var isa ober! De Var iss ober! 
ALL: What! 

LENA: (gives Walt, paper) Yah! Sheneral Lee hass sur- 
rentered! 

COL. R. (L. C.) What! Brave old Lee surrendered? Then the 
end has come! Gentlemen, we have been foes; let us learn, now, to be 
friends. 'Twas bravely done on both sides. We have shown the World 
how Americans can fight! » 

WALT: (reaches out hands to Kate.) Kate! 

KATE (in his arms) My husband! Peace at last! Across our 
path no longer falls the Shadow of the Sword! PICTURE: 

CURTAIN. BIRD RINGS. 

SOLDIERS R. at back. GUARD 

WALT. KATE & COL. (C.) 
MIRE & LENA. FRANK & JACK. L. 



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